The Circumcision of Christ/St. Basil the Great. Volume 33 January 1, 2016 Number 1

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1 The Church Herald Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church 2053 North Road, NE Warren, OH Church Phone: (330) Rectory Phone: (330) Pastor: The Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth M. Bachofsky, D. Min. Parish Web Page: Volume 33 January 1, 2016 Number 1 The Circumcision of Christ/St. Basil the Great Today we are celebrating a number of things, among them the Circumcision of Christ, which happened about eight days after His Birth. This feast-day was not celebrated in the early time of the Church, but came later. Today is also the feast of the departure to heaven of St. Basil the Great, which was established before the feast of the Circumcision came into being. We know this because int eh Church s calendar they were serving the Liturgy of St. Basil. St. Basil actually took precedence, which is rather an odd thing, but it happened because St. Basil the Great was so important for our Church. At the same time we are celebrating the feast of the Circumcision, which is somehow mixed in, but not the primary thing. It s one of those Orthodox paradoxes but that s how we are. It s important for us that today we are celebrating the Circumcision of the Lord, His obedience, and that of His whole family, to the Law. He was raised in the tradition of Moses as everyone else of Jewish tradition was in those days. He grew up in a pious family. We understand that they were definitely observing the Laws of the day because the Saviour came from a long line of fourteen times three generations of people who suffered for the sake of the Promise of the Incarnation of the Saviour. All these people were faithful to God even though they were still waiting for the fulfillment of the Promise. Even though, as the Apostle Paul said in one of his writings, they had not seen what was to come, yet they were faithful to God, as Abraham was.; Abraham trusted God even though it did not necessarily seem logical sometimes. This is an example for us of trust in God. In fact, there were many other people, likewise, who came before who were faithful to the love of God God whom they knew, but could not see. Now we have seen God in the incarnate Christ. He lived His life in accordance with the Law, but as we see in the Gospel, He was living according to the spirit of the Law, and not always according to the letter of the Law. He put things in their correct perspective. According to the way the Law had developed, people were observing the Sabbath: it was extremely important to obey the law of rest on the Sabbath. All sorts of rules developed to make sure that people did not do any kind of work accidentally on the Sabbath. As we see the Lord saying, and the Apostle also saying, people were to busy obeying the little rules that they forgot that the Sabbath was made for man; man was not made for the Sabbath. What is this Sabbath? It is the one day in the week when we are supposed to rest. Of course, nowadays, the remembrance of the day of rest has been forgotten almost universally. Now we don t bother to rest, and that is not good. It si important for us to learn that the Lord directed us to rest, and we should rest regularly, somehow. When I m talking to you about these things, I m taking to myself as well, for I haven t properly learned how to do this even to this day. According to the Gospel we hear d today, the Lord was growing up in obedience to the Law. They were in Jerusalem in obedience to the law when His parents lost Him, and went back to find Him. They found Him in the temple of the Lord where He was talking to the elders. He loved to be in the temple of the Lord. This has always been characteristic of Orthodox Christians throughout the past two thousand years. People love to be in the temple of the Lord. They love to come to the temple of the Lord to pray, and to worship Him being in His presence. In some parts of the world where the churches are not locked up all the time yet (unlike North America where the church is now getting to be locked up all the time), people go to church; they light candles, and they stand there, and pray for a while. People love simply to be there in the presence of the Lord in the temple of the Lord. In North America these days, and in the

2 West in general, people are making a little too much of the fear of God. There is an unhealthy fear of God, somehow, when they read the Gospel, and they make the mistake that people have been making for two thousand years, and more. People somehow cannot accept that God would empty Himself, take on human flesh, live as a human being, fully, yet remaining fully God, and allow us to kill Him as it happened, so that he would rise form the dead on the third day in order to conquer sin, and death. Many people have had difficulty with this, and they till do. So they try to limit Christ, somehow, to being just some sort of a human being, or just a philosopher somehow, in order to make Him more acceptable to their reasoning. However, God is not boxed in like this. God is not limited like this. If God chooses to empty Himself, God is God, and He can do what He pleases. And it pleased Him to empty Himself, to become a human being for our sake in order that He would save us from ourselves. Really, that is what He was doing saving us form ourselves. This is the extent of His love for us. And yet so many people have such a hard time accepting that God could love us that much. And yet, He did, and He does. It is important to understand that the Saviour, in growing up as a human being, was also showing us the example of how we should be, living in complete harmony with God. He was showing us the direction. And if that is not enough for us, His Mother, also followed in this living path of obedience to God s will, shows us a human being likewise obedient to the will of God. She said yes to God. This Yes is always bringing life. It brings suffering, too. All who follow God in this world suffer because the prince of darkens is not happy if the light shines in the darkens. Read the Gospel according to St. John, chapter one. The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkens tries to overcome it, but does not succeed. In our lives it is important for us to remember that we Christian, bearing Christ, are lights shining in the darkens. We have Christ s light, and if we have difficulties in ourselves, it is connected to this same opposition to the light. Other Christians have suffered often before because they were shinning with the light of Christ in the dark. We likewise have to take our age from the savior, because He is with us. We, who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ (cf. Galatians 3:27). He is with us, and He will be with us. He will protect. St. Basil the Great, whose memory we are celebrating today, is one such light who had to suffer. He did not suffer the death of martyrdom, but he had a very difficult life, nevertheless, in those early days. Being faithful to Christ is a society which was not Christian. Yet, seventeen hundred years after his death, he is one of the greatest of the shining lights, and examples of Orthodox Christians. The Lord will do for you, and for me similar things. He will bring light in, and through your, and me, but we have to be faithful. Here in, it was almost though impossible that this parish could continue to be an example of Orthodox living, here in this community. Yet het Lord chose faithful people top come here again, and renew the life, and renew the visible presence. The Lord is with us. He will bless us. There has been a complete transformation, and God is blessing. The Lord will continue to strengthen, and bless those who labor for Him. It is important for you, and of me, always, to keep our hearts, and or minds on the Saviour at all times in love. May we always be ready to respond promptly, and to do His will, like St. Herman of Alaska who said: From this day, for this hour, form this minute, let us love God above all, and do His holy will, glorifying the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. - By: Archbishop Seraphim - Worship Schedule SUNDAY, JANUARY 1ST 10:00 A.M. THE FEAST OF THE CIRCUMCISION OF THE LORD AND ST. BASIL THE GREAT! BLESS- ING OF THE VASILOPITA! PRAYER FOR THE BIGINNING OF A NEW YEAR! (Rubrics of the Feast Page 140) EPISTLE COLOSSIANS 2:8-12 GOSPEL LUKE 2:20,21, Wednesday, January 4th 4:00 p.m. The Akathist Service to the Theotokos with prayers for the sick and anointing of the faithful. THURSDAY, JANUARY 5TH 7:00 P.M. THE VIGIL SERVICE FOR THE THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD! A DAY OF STRICT FASTING! FRIDAY, JANUARY 9:00 A.M. THE FEASTOF THE THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE JORDAN RIVER! THE GREAT BLESSING OF HOLY WATER! (Rubrics for the Feast Page 145) EPISTLE TITUS 2:11-14,3:4-7 GOSPEL MATTHEW 3:13-17 SATURDAY, JANUARY 7TH 9:00 A.M. THE FEAST OF THE SYNAXIS OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST! (Rubrics for the Feast Page 148) EPISTLE ACTS 19:1-8 GOSPEL JOHN 1:29-34 Sunday, January 8th 9:30 a.m. The Reading of

3 the Third Hour. 10:000 a.m. The Sunday After the Theophany of the Lord, Tone 4 (Page150). The Venerable: George, Domnica and St. Gregory of Bulgaria are commemorated. Wednesday, January 11th 4:00 p.m. The Akathist Service to the Theotokos with prayers for the sick and anointing of the faithful. Sunday, January 15th 9:30 a.m. The Reading of the Third Hour. 10:00 a.m. The 30th Sunday After Pentecost, Tone 5. The Venerable Paul of Thebes, John the Hut-dweller, and Gabriel of Lesnovo are commemorated. Epistle Colossians 3:12-16 Gospel Luke 18:18-27 Happy Birthday! Magdalene Mickey John P. Falibota.. Jonathan Anzivino.. The Tradition of the Vasilopita The Tradition of baking and cutting a special pita (which can mean a loaf of bread, a cake, or even a pie) ear year on January 1st is observed in honor of our Holy Father Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia hence its name Vasilopita meaning St. Basil s Bread. This tradition is observed in both parish churches and in the homes of the faithful. What is the meaning of this tradition and how did it begin? For centuries upon centuries, parents, grandparents and godparents have related the following to Orthodox children about St. Basil and the Vasilopita. One year, during a time of terrible famine, the emperor levied a sinfully excessive tax upon the people of Caesarea. The tax such a heavy burden upon the already impoverished people that to avoid debtors prison each family had to relinquish its few remaining coins and pieces of jewelry, including precious family heirlooms. Learning of this injustice upon his flock, St. Basil the Great, the Archbishop of Caesarea, took up his bishop's staff and the book of the Holy Gospels and came to his people s defense by fearlessly calling the emperor to repentance. By God s grace, the emperor did repent! He canceled the tax and instructed his tax collectors to turn over to St. Basil all of the chess containing the coins and jewelry which had been paid as taxes by the people of Caesarea. But now St. Basil was faced with the daunting and impossible task of returning these thousands of coins and pieces of jewelry to their rightful owners. After praying for a long time before the Icons of our Master Christ and His All-Holy Mother, St. Basil had all the treasures baked into one huge pita. He then called all the townspeople to prayer at the cathedral, and, after Divine Liturgy, he blessed and cut the pits, giving a piece to each person. Miraculously, each owner received in his piece of Vasilopita his own valuables. They all joyfully returned home, giving thanks to God who had delivered them from abject poverty and to their good and holy bishop St. Basil the Great! In remembrance of that miracle wrought by God as a result of St. Basil s love and defense of his people, Orthodox Christians have observed the tradition of the Vasiopita each year on January 1st the date on which St. Basil reposed in the Lord in the year 379 A.D. In some places the Vasilopita is prepared as a loaf of rich bred (like that used for Artoklasia), while in other places it takes the form of a spicy sheet cake (without frosting). But no matter what form a Valsilopita may take, they all have one thing in common each contains a single coin. After placing the bread dough or cake batter in the proper baking pan, the baker makes with the fail-wrapped coin the sign of the Cross over it, closes his/her eyes, and then secretly places it into the unbaked Vasilopita. After the Vasilopita is baked and cooled, it is blessed and cut following Diving Liturgy for the fest of St. Basil on January 1st. (Borrowed from Antiochian website) After the Divine Liturgy this morning, Father Ken will offer the prayer and bless the Vasilopita or Basil Bread. Then it will be cut and distributed to all of the faithful. May the Blessing of the Lord be upon us through the prayers and intercession of our Father among the Saints, Basil the Great of Cappadocia! Good health and a prosperous New Year to one and all!!! Board Meeting There will be a meeting of the St. Nicholas Church Board Monday, January 2, It will be held in the Food Prep Room of the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. We ask that all of the officers and trustees of our parish please attend this meeting. Your time and talent enables the smooth operation of our parish! If you are not able to attend, please kindly inform our Church Presi-

4 dent, Gib Pugh. Thanks and God bless! Feast of Theophany! T h i s coming week our Holy Orthodox Church will be commemorating a major Feast of the Liturgical Year; the Feast of the Theophany of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ! It is the commemoration of the Baptism of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in the Jordan River and the manifestation of the Holy Trinity! The Eve of the Theophany will be on Friday, January 5th and it is to be a solemn day of prayer and strict fasting. This means that meat and dairy products should not be included in one s diet on that day. The Vigil Service will be served at 7:00 p.m. that evening. The Festal Divine Liturgy will be served on January 6th at 9:00 a.m. After the Liturgy the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water will be performed by our pastor, Father Ken. After the conclusion of the service there will be a procession, at which the Church and parish complex will be blessed with the newly Sanctified Water! After the final dismissal there will be the distribution of the Antidoron and faithful will be sprinkled with the Sanctified Water. At 4:00 p.m. Orthodox clergy will gather at the ampitheater in downtown Warren for the lesser blessing of the Mahoning River. The Altar will be set up on the sidewalk next to the river bed. Faithful are invited to attend this blessing. The blessing of the homes of the parishioners will begin on January 6th and the following days, as printed on the attached schedule for Home Blessing. It is Father Ken s good intention to visit all of the homes of our parishioners. Your kind patience and cooperation will be greatly appreciated! Banns of Marriage The Banns of Marriage are being published and announced for the third and final time in the case of: Elizabeth Thomas, a communicant of our St. Nicholas Church and Andrew Fay, from Columbus, Ohio. The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is scheduled to be celebrated on Saturday, January 7, 2017, here in our St. Nicholas Church. If anyone should know of any particular canonical reason why these two people should not be married, please bring it to the immediate attention of Father Ken Bachofsky, the officiate of the wedding as well as pastor of our parish. Eternal Memory We, the faithful of St. Nicholas Church, we saddened by the loss of +John Penick, who fell asleep in the Lord on December 21st. He was laid to rest this past week with full rites of our Holy Church. With the Saints, O Lord, give rest to the soul of Your newly departed servant, +John Penick, where there is no pain, sorrow nor mourning, but only Life- Everlasting! Eternal Memory!!! We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the members of the Sorokach and Penick Families. All of your will be in our thoughts and prayers in the day ahead. May the Lord bless you with strength and peace during this time of mourning! Christmas Flowers We are most grateful to the following donors who have been so gracious in providing the funds to purchase all of the plants that adorn the Altar and Sanctuary. We acknowledge the following additional donors and remember their humble intentions at the Nativity Divine Liturgy: For the spiritual health of Earleen, Earle, Alexis, Elijah and Lauren Martin and Adam and Lindsey Brisbine. A donation received from Deacon Ed Brisbine. For the spiritual health of each of my Godchildren. A donation received from Deacon Ed Brisbine. For the health of Sis and William Albers, Claudia Sulin and Leanora, Phil, Gale, Mark & Carol Evancho Families. A donation received from Deacon Ed Brisbine. For the spiritual health of the Anzivino, Chaney, and Millik Families. A donation received from Deacon Ed Brisbine. In loving memory of +Kerya Brisbine, +Margaret & +Ed Brisbine Sr., +George & +Elizabeth Uhrin, +Fr. Michael Uhrin and +Brother Simeon. A donation received from Deacon Ed Bris-

5 bine. For the health of our spiritual Father, Fr. Ken, Pani Mary Bachofsky and Family, and the faithful of our parish. A donation received from Deacon Ed Brisbine. For the spiritual health of Rev. Deacon Gregory, Lisa, Michael, Perlene Uhrin and Families. A donation received from Deacon Ed Brisbine. We are most grateful for your generosity that made possible the beauty of our Church Sanctuary for the Nativity Feast! God bless you abundantly! After the conclusion of the Liturgy this morning, the poinsettia flowers will be taken to the Fellowship Hall where you may pick them up to take home this morning. Special Thanks We just wanted to offer a Thank You to all who helped clean and decorate the Church for the Nativity Holy Days! You are to be commended for an excellent job! We are very grateful to...those who love the beauty of Your House as we pray in the Divine Liturgy! God bless you for you making our Church so beautiful for the Feast of our Lord s Nativity! Church Offerings One of the many acts of worship conducted at each Sunday Divine Liturgy is expressed in our generous donations made at the Church Offering! This is an excellent way of expressing our love, devotion to the Lord and offering our thanksgiving for the many blessings received from His Hands! We would like to share with you the latest Church Offerings: Special Christmas Offering $4,055.00/ Candle Offering $109.00/ Church Dues $225.00/ Memorial Offerings: In loving memory of +Michael Sheptock: Rebecca Natale $20.00, Amy Cameron $100.00, Deacon Ed $25.00 In loving memory of: +Nicholas Koutsauras: Evelyn Condoleon $50.00/ St. Nicholas Society Christmas Gift $20,000.00/ Cemetery Cross Memorial Gift: Polivka International $5,000.00/ Christmas Flowers $30.00/ Total Church Offering = $29, May the New Born Saviour bless all of you 100 fold for your gracious gifts offered for the continuing salvic work being done at our beloved St. Nicholas Church!!! New 2017 Envelopes Just a friendly reminder to all of our faithful parishioners to stop by the blue table in the parish atrium and pick up their 2078 boxes of Church Envelopes! They are ready and may be taken home this morning! This system is a way of recording your contributions to our parish throughout the year. We utilize this for our financial records and for your personal income tax purposes. This is another way of reminding all of our faithful parishioners of their financial stewardship responsibilities throughout the year! Please give as generously as possible during the coming new year! May the Lord bless you 100 fold for your act of love, devotion and thanksgiving to the Lord! Lots-o-Luck Raffle The National A.C.R.Y. is holding their 2017 Lots-o-Luck Calendar Raffle! We have a few more raffle tickets left! Fifteen thousand dollars will be raffled off on the 2017 calendar beginning on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 through Wednesday, February 28, Proceeds from this project will benefit Diocesan Funds. Donations per ticket is $25.00 dollars. See Renay Choma this morning for a ticket! Maybe you will be one of the many fortunate winners! All numbers are played straight as drawn by the first PICK 3 of the Pennsylvania Lottery drawn at 7:00 p.m. and amount listed for that day on the calendar. Winners will be paid by check, mailed within one week. Your name and number will be registered with Chapter #20, Johnstown Cathedral Calendar Committee. A Cemetery Cross! For over 25 years Father Ken has been trying to get a proper Cross constructed for our section of the Pineview Cemetery! Finally, a new company has granted us permission and, with their help, a design has been made that we would like to share with you this morning. The Cross will be made entirely of black marble. It will have a 4 X 4 X 4 Altar with a beautiful Cross with an Icon of the Crucifixion depicted on the Three Bar Cross. The entire Cemetery Cross will be a little over nine feet from bottom to the top of the Cross. The Picture of the Cross is posted on the bulletin board. We are now soliciting donations for the construction of the Cross. The cost of the memorial Cross is $15, and the cost of the construction will be $3, dollars. We have already received a donation of $5, from Basil Polivka and Polivka International Inc. in honor of +Ann & +Andrew Polivka. If you would like to make a donation please see either Father Ken or give at the vestibule office!