St. Michael s Parish Bee Fr. James S. Dutko, Pastor, 797-4471 St. Michael s Church Office, 729-0261 Cell: 725-3672, frjimd@stny.rr.com Rectory, 797-4471, Atrium, 729-3112 Fr. Deacon Charles Ellis, 785-1435 www.saintmichaels.info St. Michael s is a family of Orthodox Christians, serving the Lord since 1904. American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, www.acrod.org Sunday, April 9, 2017 Palm Sunday, Entry of Our Lord to Jerusalem Antiphons, pp. 210-11, Tropars and Kondak, p 212, Prokimen and Alleluia verses, 212-13 Schedule at St. Michael s this Week Palm Sunday: *Bridegroom Matins, 6 PM Holy Monday Holy Tuesday: Holy Wednesday: Holy Thursday: Good Friday: Holy Saturday: *Bridegroom Matins, 7 PM *Presantified Liturgy, 8 AM Confessions, 6:30 PM *Bridegroom Matins, 7 PM *Sacrament of Holy Anointing, 7 PM Confessions, 6:30 PM *Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil, 8 AM *The 12 Passion Gospels, 7 PM *Royal Hours, 8 AM *Vespers of Good Friday, 7 PM *Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil, 8 AM Adoration at Tomb, 9AM-8 PM Confessions, 2-4 PM *Blessing of Paschal Foods, 4 PM *Resurrection Matins, 8 PM Blessing of Paschal Foods Easter Sunday: *Pascal Divine Liturgy, 9 AM Blessing of Paschal Foods During this Holy Week, be sure to take time from your weekly schedule and come with family and friends and share in the Passion of Our Lord. There are services every day and times are allocated also for Confession in preparation for the Easter Sunday Divine Liturgy. We have already passed through the weeks of Lent, but let us now share in these days of Holy Week, leading us closer to the Cross, the Tomb and with His grace, the Light and joy of the Resurrection. BTW, Volunteers also needed as Tomb Guards for Saturday AM & PM.
Scripture Readings for Holy Week Sunday: Philippians 4: 4-9 St. John 12: 1-18 Monday: Exodus 1: 1-20 Job 1: 1-12 St. Matthew 24: 3-35 Tuesday: Exodus 2: 5-10 Job 1: 13-22 St. Matthew 24: 36-26:2 Wednesday: Exodus 2: 11-22 Job 2: 1-10 St. Matthew 26:6-16 Thursday: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-32 St. Matthew 26: 1-27:2 Friday: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:2 St. Matthew 27: 1-61 Saturday: Romans 6: 3-11 St. Matthew 28: 1-20 Sunday: Acts 1: 1-8 St. Jon 1: 1-17 The daily readings of the Scripture can be found at www.acrod.org Epistle Reading: Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Gospel Reading: John 12:1-18 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. Then Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. "For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." Then a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests took counsel that they might also put Lazarus to death, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD' The King of Israel" Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt." His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. Additions to the List of those who are Ill: Mary Fedoris, Ideal Nursing Home; Carol Oldryko, Vestal Nursing Home; Valerie Seketa at her home in Endicott. NY.
Donations for Our 2017 Pirohi Project at St. Michael s Item Cost/Week Donor(s) Cabbage for Pirohi $100 Michele Tidick, in memory of Archon Ernie and Mary Jane Tidick, for five weeks Cabbage for Halushki $100 Onions for Pirohi $100 Onions for Halushki $100 Archon David and Michaleen Gdovin, for six weeks Potatoes $150 Bruce and Cheryl Swift, in loving memory of Peter & Helen Urdanick for six weeks Cheese (Regular) $150 Cheese (Sharp)_ $150 Margarine $125 Bonnie and Bill Delahanty, for four weeks Sauerkraut $ 30 Mike and Nadine Korchak for six weeks Eggs $ 75 Oil $ 30 Anonymous, six weeks Onion & White Powder $ 50 Archon Michael and Dolores Kundrat for six weeks Salt $ 25 In loving memory of Uncle Same, Uncle Ed, Uncle Joe, Aunt Anne for six weeks Celery $ 25 Sandra and Tom Koytek for six weeks Carrots $ 25 Sandra and Tom Koytek for six weeks Creamers $ 25 Maria Korchak for six weeks Salad Mix $ 25 Marge Heckman for six weeks Noodles $100 Flour $100 In honor of Bill & Joyce Marusich, Mike and Mary Duke, for 6 weeks Coffee $ 50 Fr. Jim, Pani Kathy & Rick, in loving memory of +Fr. Stephen for 6 weeks Soda $ 75 Sugar $175 Carla Paccio, for six weeks, in loving memory of +Carl Paccio and +Mark DelVillano Water $ 80 Patricia Gay and family, for six weeks Butter $ 25 Tom Gazda, in loving memory of +Carol Gazda, for six weeks Containers for Pirohi d$150 Containers for Halushki $150 Coffee Cups $ 25 Jo and Tami Sedor in loving memory of Fr. David and Archon Ed Sedor for six weeks Tea $ 15 Lillian Nezelek, for six weeks Soda Cups $ 30 Donna and Steve Marusich for six weeks Paper Products $200 Lunch/workers $150 Utensils $150 Miscellaneous $150 Advertising $ 50 Michael and Rita Balanda for four weeks Danish $ 80 Anonymous, 1 week ($10) Soup Ingredients $ 75 Napkins $ 25 Joe Kundrat for six weeks Sugar $ 25 If you would like to be a donor of any of the food items for either of the remaining sales during the Lenten season, please be sure to talk with Mike Kundrat or give him a call, 729-4112. Your support for our Pirohi Project will be greatly appreciated Volunteers Needed Today To Complete Delivery of Paskas+ Today Last Sunday, we published a listing of folks who are ill at home, nursing homes and area hospitals. Many of the freshly baked Paskas by our children, in addition to other food items for the Easter season, were delivered yesterday afternoon. There are still a few stops which need to be made. Be sure to stop at the hall during Coffee Shop and the Church School Communion Breakfast and volunteer to help complete all of the deliveries today. Your assistance is appreciated greatly "#$%&'(#&)*%++,-'+(#.'/#0#*1$23#&/4' -''5+,6#..$1*/,7'%+2*1#$&6'1/'&8 7#1)%,%/9:7;<//*.'28/4'&'%&'/%252*1 /4'5*/(4'1%1)2'&=*1>+*1'/4%/1'') 4'+?*1>4%1)2;@$/%++-4#(#.'%&'%25') /#'10#,%.'%+/%5*1>/*.'/#/%+5/##$& >$'2/2;A1/4*2-%,8%++#3$2%&'%>'1/2#3 (#..$1*/,B%&#$1)%/%C+'B Community Meal on Monday Evening at our Recreation Center Indoor Garage Sale Set for Saturday, May 13 Interested in parting with some of your clutter? Our Ladies Guild will be having an Indoor Garage Sale in the recreation center on Saturday, May 13th from 9:00-3:00. (This is also Clinton Street's 2nd Saturday) Do you want to sell your wares? 12 x 12 spaces with one table will rent for $15.00 (additional tables, if needed, will rent for $10.00). Not interested in selling your stuff, but still want to purge it? Ladies Guild will accept your donations So will ACRY and the School Guild... all three organizations will be tabling. Be sure to join them Ladies Guild will also be selling concessions during the sale. Start planning now... happy purging For more information contact Barb Knighton at (607) 621-6079.
An Explanation of the Days of Holy Week http://www.antiochian.org/1175027131 Great Lent and Holy Week are two separate fasts, and two separate celebrations. Great Lent ends on Friday of the fifth week (the day before Lazarus Saturday). Holy Week begins immediately thereafter. Let's explore the meaning of each of the solemn days of Passion Week. Lazarus Saturday: Lazarus Saturday is the day which begins Holy Week. It commemorates the raising of our Lord's friend Lazarus, who had been in the tomb four days. This act confirmed the universal resurrection from the dead that all of us will experience at our Lord's Second Coming. This miracle led many to faith, but it also led to the chief priest's and Pharisees' decision to kill Jesus (John 11:47-57). Palm Sunday (The Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem): Our Lord enters Jerusalem and is proclaimed king - but in an earthly sense, as many people of His time were seeking a political Messiah. Our Lord is King, of course, but of a different type - the eternal King prophesied by Zechariah the Prophet. We use palms on this day to show that we too accept Jesus as the true King and Messiah of the Jews, Who we are willing to follow - even to the cross. Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: The first thing that must be said about these services, and most of the other services of Holy Week, is that they are "sung" in anticipation. Each service is rotated ahead twelve hours. The evening service, therefore, is actually the service of the next morning, while the morning services of Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday are actually the services of the coming evening. Understanding that, let's turn to the Services of Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (celebrated Palm Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evening). The services of these days are known as the Bridegroom or Nymphios Orthros Services. At the first service of Palm Sunday evening, the priest carries the icon of Christ the Bridegroom in procession, and we sing the "Hymn of the Bridegroom." We behold Christ as the Bridegroom of the Church, bearing the marks of His suffering, yet preparing a marriage Feast for us in God's Kingdom. Each of these Bridegroom Orthros services has a particular theme. On Holy Monday, the Blessed Joseph, the son of Jacob the Patriarch, is commemorated. Joseph is often seen as a Type of Christ. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery by them. In the same way, our Lord was rejected, betrayed by His own, and sold into the slavery of death. The Gospel reading for the day is about the barren fig tree, which Christ cursed and withered because it bore no fruit. The fig tree is a parable of those who have heard God's word, but who fail to bear the fruit of obedience. Originally the withering of the fig tree was a testimony against those Jews who rejected God's word and His Messiah. However, it is also a warning to all people, in all times, of the importance of not only hearing the God's word, but putting it into action. The Parable of the Ten Virgins is read on Holy Tuesday. It tells the story of the five virgins who filled their lamps in preparation for receiving the bridegroom while the other five allowed their lamps to go out, and hence were shut out of the marriage feast. This parable is a warning that we must always be prepared to receive our Lord when He comes again. The theme of the day is reinforced by the expostelarion hymn we sing: "I see Thy Bridal Chamber adorned, O my Savior, but have no wedding garment that I may enter. O Giver of Light, enlighten the vesture of my soul, and save me." The theme of Holy Wednesday is repentance and forgiveness. We remember the sinful woman who anointed our Lord in anticipation of His death. Her repentance and love of Christ is the theme of the wonderful "Hymn of Kassiane" which is chanted on this night, reminding us one more time, before "it is too late," that we too may be forgiven if we repent.
Holy Unction: The Mystery or Sacrament of Holy Unction is celebrated on Holy Wednesday evening. Actually this service can be celebrated any time during the year, especially when one is ill. However, because of our need for forgiveness and spiritual healing, we offer this service during Holy Week for the remission of our sins. We should prepare for this service in a prayerful way, as we do for Holy Communion. Great and Holy Thursday: On Holy Thursday we turn to the last events of our Lord and His Passion. Thursday morning begins with a Vesperal Divine Liturgy commemorating the Mystical Supper. As previously mentioned, this is actually Holy Thursday evening's service celebrated in the morning in anticipation. Everyone who is able should make an effort to receive Holy Communion at this service as it was at the Mystical Supper that our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist. At this Liturgy a second Host is consecrated and kept in the Tabernacle. It is from this Host that Holy Communion is distributed to the shut-ins and the sick throughout the coming year. Thursday evening actually begins the services of Great and Holy Friday. The service of the Twelve Passion Gospels commemorates the solemn time of our Lord's Crucifixion. After the reading of the fifth Gospel, the holy cross is carried around the church in procession, and Christ's body is nailed to the cross in the center of the church. Great and Holy Friday: This is a day of strict fast. As little as possible should be eaten on this day. It is the only day in the entire year that no Divine Liturgy of any kind can be celebrated. In the morning we celebrate the Royal Hours. These solemn hours are observed as we read the various accounts and hymns concerning the crucifixion. In the afternoon (evening at St. Michael s), we celebrate the Vesper service of the taking down of Christ's body from the cross. During the Gospel reading, our Lord's body is taken off the cross and wrapped in a new, white linen sheet. This act commemorates the removal of Christ's body from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38-42). Later in the service, the Epitaphios, or windingsheet, with Christ's body on it is carried in procession and placed in the recently decorated tomb. Great and Holy Saturday: This day is a day of hope and waiting. In the morning we celebrate a Vesperal Divine Liturgy which commemorates Christ's victory over death. Bright vestments are worn as we anticipate Christ's Resurrection. The Old Testament story of Jonah in the belly of the whale is read at this service because Jonah is seen in the Church as a Type of Christ. As Jonah was three days in the belly of the great fish, and was then safely deposited back onto land, so our Lord was three days in the tomb before His glorious Resurrection. The Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Holy Saturday concludes the services of Holy Week, and brings us to the eve of Great and Holy Pascha. On Saturday morning and afternoon, we come to the Church to pray at the Tomb of the Saviour, where the Icon of the Body of the Lord is displayed. Afterwards we return to the Church to share in the incredible evening service of the Matins of the Resurrection. After the Shroud is removed from the Tomb and placed on the Altar, the entire congregation processes around the exterior of the Church in anticipation of the proclamation of the Resurrection and the joyful singing of Christ is Risen
D4'E%2/'&@%25'/ In many Orthodox countries, traditional meals developed around the great Feasts of the Church. This is especially true for the Feast of Feasts, the holy Resurrection of Our Lord. Eating and sharing a special meal for this day has many meanings and reasons. First, meals are usually the focus of any celebration, making it both solemn and 'official' and also happy and joyous. Think about wedding receptions, birthday parties, even Fourth-of-July backyard barbecues. Certain foods make an occasion something truly special. Second, the celebration of the Resurrection (Pascha) comes at the end of a long winter, a long and often arduous Fast. It is a time of spring, of new life, both on earth and in heaven. People are ready to be happy, joyful and celebrate with all the foods that they could not eat during the Fast. With our Lord's rising from the dead, we are ready to celebrate with Him our new freedom from the flesh by enjoying the good things He has given us in this life - first He gives us his own heavenly Flesh and Blood in Holy Communion, then we partake of the good things of this earth in the Easter meal. Third, this connection of the Easter meal with Holy Communion is emphasized by bringing that meal to the Church on Sunday morning to be blessed immediately after we celebrate Divine Liturgy. It is almost like being able to take a little bit of heaven back home with us, so that we can continue the joyful party that we began in Church when we sang for the first time, "CHRIST IS RISEN" Last, the meal is all pre-prepared and often eaten cold on Sunday. It is fitting that everyone should celebrate this most joyful day, even the family cook, not being burdened with "the things of hospitality," as Martha was when Jesus came to visit, but rather that "#"$%&'"should be able to "choose the better part" like Mary did, and celebrate with Jesus (see Luke 10:38-42). Different cultures and locales developed different traditional foods to have blessed and eaten on Easter, but there are a few general 'rules.' All Easter meals consist of the kinds of food that we could not eat during Lent, and also some other foods that were available in early spring before the summer gardens could be harvested. Often times specific meanings are given to different foods, symbolic of our Life in Christ. Below are listed the different categories of food usually put in the Easter Basket, along with descriptions of the foods usually used in the Slavic countries. One last note: A blessed Easter Basket with a special meal is the most important idea here. If one or more of the traditional foods do not appeal to you, feel free to substitute What is important is that we celebrate the goodness that God has given us, both in Church and at home, first in the life He gives us on this earth, and then in the Life He gives us forever in his Resurrection - so ENJOY ()*+,- the "staff of life" and represents the Body of Christ in our midst. Special Easter Breads, often called "Pascha" are usually sweet and rich, as when we sing Psalm 33: "Taste and see how good the Lord is" In some traditions, a red Easter egg is baked into the middle of the bread, symbol of the Resurrection. The bread is also often decorated with a cross, a braided crown, an X B (Christ is Risen in Slavonic), or other decorations. -*+.- In Slavic countries, usually smoked meats like ham, bacon and kolbasa are used. Also popular are spring lamb and veal. Meat represents God's favor, generosity and the richness of life He gives us freely. /0**1*- The rather bland, sweet taste of cheese represents the 2&3"$456&'that all Christians are called to have in all things. Rusyny and Slovaks make a "cheese ball" known as 7$8594or :6$"9; which is actually made out of eggs. Also popular are :6$'4%4<4:=74;a sweet cream cheese, and other soft cheese such as farmer's cheese or feta. *>>1- Eggs are always a symbol of the resurrection - a sign of New Life. As an egg hatches, so Christ broke out of the Tomb to give us eternal life. The eggs are hard-boiled and are often decorated, or at least colored. (?..*)- often is shaped into a figure of a Lamb or a Cross. It reminds us of the goodness of Christ that we should have toward all things. @)*1*)A*1- In Slavic traditions, usually grated horseradish mixed with some grated beets. Symbolic of the @4::6&'B:8CC"$6'D:4'33"457of Our Lord which He willingly went through for our salvation, so that we could celebrate this glorious resurrection. Olives (symbol of the <"4="of Our Lord) and other preserves are also used. 1+E.- "You are the salt of the earth," Our Lord tells us. Salt reminds us of our duty toward other Christians and toward the world - to flavor it with the good news of salvation. All the food (or at least a portion of each, but you have to bring the whole Easter bread) is placed into a large wicker basket, which is itself often decorated. A blessed candle (symbol of the Light of Christ) is also put into the basket and lit at the time of blessing in church. The basket is covered with a white cloth (symbol of the burial linens Our Lord left behind when He rose); this cloth is also often highly decorated. We encourage everyone to make your own celebration of Easter a little more special by having your Easter meal blessed and made part of the celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord (From the St. Michael s Orthodox Church bulletin, in Rankin, PA, prepared by Fr. Nicholas Ferencz.)
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