St. Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church
A Patriarchal Parish in the USA
335 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia
May 7, 2023

Sunday Bulletin - May 7, 2023
 
FOURTH SUNDAY OF PASCHA: 
SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC
 
ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕСЕ! ~ CHRIST IS RISEN!
 
Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!
Христос Воскресе! Воистину Воскресе!
Χριστος Ανεστη !  Αλιθως Ανεστη !
Hristos a înviat! Cu adevărat a înviat!
ქრისტე აღსდგა!  ჭეშმარიტად აღსდგა! 
 
Sunday Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei, Elijah, Andrew (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, May 7th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei, Elijah, Andrew by Seasholtz Family
Nadia, Sophia, Lucy, Lisa, Evgeniya by Family
Vera (Sunny Lawrence) 
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Peter (Popelak) on his passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Evgenia (Sinitsky) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Nicholas (Roberts) on his passing into eternal life
+Mary (DeMeo) and +Olga (K. Shast) on their birthday by Alexei, Lucia, and Amelia
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Mary (DeMeo) and +Olga (K. Shast) on birthday by Alexei, Lucia, and Amelia. Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal! 
 
Schedule of services this week
  • Sunday May 14th Sunday of The Samaritan Woman Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
Sunday School Pascha Project - The Journey through Great Lent and Pascha Map is on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pentecost. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed – Please help us continue coffee hours – See the sign-up poster on the kitchen door and remember we are now in great Lent so all food should be meat and dairy free. 
 
Ukrainian Prayers for Peace and Refuge Relief - we pray for the protection and well-being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. To help with this our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Giant Gift Cards – A good way to support the church all through the year – Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Lenten Season – Drop your nonperishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
  
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
 
Readings for Fourth Sunday of PASCHA, The Paralytic
 
Sunday of the Paralytic, Troparion, Tone V, Christ is risen from the dead, trampling on death by death, and on those in the tombs bestowing life.
 
Kontakion, Tone III, By Thy divine presence, O Lord, raise my soul which is terribly paralyzed by all kinds of sins and misguided actions, as of old Thou didst raise the paralytic, that saved I may cry to Thee: O compassionate Christ, glory to Thy power.
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone III Let the heavens rejoice, / let the earth be glad! / For the Lord has shown might with His arm,/ He has trampled down death by death. / He has become the first-born of the dead. / He has delivered us from the depths of hell, / and has granted the world great mercy!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Tone III We praise you as the mediatrix of our salvation, / O Virgin Theotokos. / For your Son, our God, Who took flesh from you, / accepted the passion of the cross, / delivering us from corruption as the Lover of man.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone III On this day Thou didst rise from the tomb, O Merciful One, / leading us from the gates of death. / On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; / with the prophets and patriarchs they unceasingly praise / the divine majesty of Thy power!
 
Holy Martyr Sabbas the General, Troparion, In their sufferings, O Lord,/ Thy martyrs received imperishable crowns from Thee our God;/ for, possessed of Thy might,/ they set at nought the tormentors and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons.// By their supplications save Thou our souls. Or this troparion, Abandoning earthly rank and honor, O athlete,/ thou didst confess Christ God/ before the false and tyrannical emperors,/ and for His sake thou didst undergo many sufferings, O glorious one./ Wherefore, splendidly adorned with the armies of heaven,/ thou hast been crowned with a most beautiful wreath of vic­tory by the King Who reigneth over all./ Standing before Him, O Sabbas,// pray thou that He save our souls.
 
Kontakion, Tone IV, Shown to be an invincible athlete,/ thou didst overcome the wiles of the barbar­ians, O glorious one,/ and having contended most steadfastly,/ thou didst vanquish a multitude of the invisible foe./ Wherefore, thou hast woven a wreath of victo­ry./ Entreat Christ, O most blessed Sabbas,// in behalf of us who honor thee with faith.
 
EPISTLE ACTS 9:32-42  Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed." Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 
 
GOSPEL JOHN 5:1-15 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed." He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, 'Take up your bed and walk.' " Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'?" But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
 
April 30, 2023

Sunday Bulletin - April 30, 2023
 
THIRD SUNDAY OF PASCHA: 
SUNDAY OF THE HOLY MYRRHBEARING WOMEN
 
ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕСЕ! ~ CHRIST IS RISEN!
 
Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!
Христос Воскресе! Воистину Воскресе!
Χριστος Ανεστη !  Αλιθως Ανεστη !
Hristos a înviat! Cu adevărat a înviat!
ქრისტე აღსდგა!  ჭეშმარიტად აღსდგა! 
 
Sunday Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, April 30th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
Nadia, Sophia, Lucy, Lisa, Evgeniya by Family
Vera (Sunny Lawrence) 
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Peter (Popelak) on his passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Evgenia (Sinitsky) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Nicholas (Roberts) on his passing into eternal life
+Robert (Luczak) on 10th anniversary of his passing by Marlene Blaskevitch
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Josephine (Yankovoy) on 3rd anniversary by Alexei, Anna, Luke, Lucia, Margueritte and Amelia. Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal! 
 
Welcome today to Father Alexander Tsygankov serving in absence of Father Gregory
 
Schedule of services this week
  • Sunday May 7th Sunday of The Paralyzed Man Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
Luminaries for Pascha- Luminaries for Pascha night– These bags have the names of your loved ones “for the health of” or “In memory of”. It is a wonderful way to remember them as we process around the church at midnight and sing Christ is Risen! Thank you for your support!
 
Sunday School Lenten Project - The Journey through Great Lent Map is on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pascha. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed – Please help us continue coffee hours – See the sign-up poster on the kitchen door and remember we are now in great Lent so all food should be meat and dairy free. 
 
Ukrainian Prayers for Peace and Refuge Relief - we pray for the protection and well-being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. To help with this our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Giant Gift Cards – A good way to support the church all through the year – Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Lenten Season – Drop your nonperishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 
  
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
 
Readings for Third Sunday of PASCHA, The Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women
 
Sunday of Myrrhbearing Women. Troparion. Tone II When Thou, the Deathless Life, didst go down to death, then didst Thou slay hell by the lightning flash of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst raise the dead from the lower world, all the Powers of Heaven cried aloud: Christ our God, Giver of Life, glory to Thee. Noble Joseph took Thy immaculate Body down from the Tree, wrapped It in a clean shroud and spices, and having embalmed It laid It in a new sepulchre. But on the third day Thou didst rise, O Lord, granting to the world great mercy. To the myrrbearing women at the sepulchre an Angel appeared and cried: Myrrh is fit for the dead, but Christ has shown Himself a Stranger to corruption. So cry: The Lord has risen, granting to the world great mercy. 
 
Kontakion, Tone II Thou didst command the Myrrbearers to rejoice, O Christ our God, Thou didst dry the tears of our first mother Eve by Thy Resurrection, and Thou didst command the Apostles to preach: The Saviour has risen from the tomb.
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone II When Thou didst descend to death, O Life immortal, / Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead! / And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, / all the powers of heaven cried out: / O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, All beyond thought, all most glorious, / are your mysteries, O Theotokos. / Sealed in purity, preserved in virginity, / you were revealed to be the true Mother who gave birth to the true God. / Entreat Him to save our souls.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone II Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, / seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! / The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! / And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.
 
EPISTLE ACTS 6:1-7  Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
 
GOSPEL MARK 15:43-16:8 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid. Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away-for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples-and Peter-that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you. So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. 
 
April 23, 2023

 
 
SECOND SUNDAY OF PASCHA: ANTIPASCHA
SAINT THOMAS SUNDAY
 
ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕСЕ! ~ CHRIST IS RISEN!
 
Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!
Христос Воскресе! Воистину Воскресе!
Χριστος Ανεστη !  Αλιθως Ανεστη !
Hristos a înviat! Cu adevărat a înviat!
ქრისტე აღსდგა!  ჭეშმარიტად აღსდგა! 
 
Sunday Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
Today, Visitation to Oakland Cemetery for Blessing of the Graves 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, April 23rd Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
Vera (Sunny Lawrence) 
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Peter (Popelak) on his passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Evgenia (Sinitsky) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Nicholas (Roberts) on his passing into eternal life
+Josephine (Yankovoy) on 3rd anniversary of her passing by Alexei, Anna, Luke, Lucia, Margueritte & Amelia
+Peter (Compo) on the 23rd anniversary of his passing into eternal life by Sandra Compo
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in honor of Amelia (Sokoluk) on her birthday by Alexei, and Lucia. Mnoghaya Lyeta! Many Years! 
 
Schedule of services this week
  • Sunday April 30th Holy Myrrhbearers Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
Luminaries for Pascha- Luminaries for Pascha night– These bags have the names of your loved ones “for the health of” or “In memory of”. It is a wonderful way to remember them as we process around the church at midnight and sing Christ is Risen! Thank you for your support!
 
Palm Sunday Fish Dinner – On Palm Sunday, April 2023, the Women’s Fellowship hosted our annual Fish dinner – appetizers, Fish, sides, wine and dessert! Thank you for your support!
 
Sunday School Lenten Project - The Journey through Great Lent Map is on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pascha. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed – Please help us continue coffee hours – See the sign-up poster on the kitchen door and remember we are now in great Lent so all food should be meat and dairy free. 
 
Ukrainian Prayers for Peace and Refuge Relief - we pray for the protection and well-being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. To help with this our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Giant Gift Cards – A good way to support the church all through the year – Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Lenten Season – Drop your nonperishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 
  
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
 
Readings for Second Sunday of PASCHA, Antipascha, St. Thomas Sunday
 
St. Thomas Sunday, Troparion, Tone VII, When the tomb was sealed, Thou, the Life, O Christ our God, didst rise up from the grave; and when the doors were closed, Thou, the Resurrection of all, didst stand among the disciples, and through them renew a right spirit in us, according to Thy mercy. 
 
Kontakion, Tone VIII, With his inquisitive right hand, Thomas probed Thy life-giving side, O Christ our God. For when Thou didst enter, the doors being shut, with the rest of the Apostles he cried to Thee: Thou art my Lord and my God.
 
Holy Martyrs Terence, Pompey & Companions, 
No Troparion is given in the Menaion.
 
Kontakion, Tone II,  “Today the honored memorial/ of the martyrs Terence and his companions/ hath arrived, gladdening all things. Wherefore, let us hasten, that we may receive healing;/ for they have received from God the grace of the Holy Spirit,// for healing the infirmities of our souls.
 
Hieromartyr Gregory V, Troparion of the holy hierarch, Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast given strength to the godly patriarch, sending down upon him Thy grace from on high, and through him hast restored the race of the Hellenes to their ancestral glory.
 
Kontakion, All the true children of Greece, assembling today in the city of Odessa, now splendidly celebrate Gregory the patriarch with divine hymnody.
 
EPISTLE ACTS 5:12-20  And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.
 
GOSPEL JOHN 20:19-31 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. 
April 16, 2023

 
PASCHA - RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST
 
ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕСЕ! ~ CHRIST IS RISEN!
 
Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!
Христос Воскресе! Воистину Воскресе!
Χριστος Ανεστη !  Αλιθως Ανεστη !
Hristos a înviat! Cu adevărat a înviat!
ქრისტე აღსდგა!  ჭეშმარიტად აღსდგა! 
 
Saturday April 15th Nocturne 11:20PM, 
Pascha Matins and Liturgy Midnight, followed by Blessing of Baskets
 
Sundays Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, April 16th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
Vera (Sunny Lawrence) 
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Peter (Popelak) on his passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Evgenia (Sinitsky) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Nicholas (Roberts) on his passing into eternal life
 
Many Years! We wish Many Years to our parishioner Mary Kaczmar who turns 101 years old this, Monday, April 17th. God grant her Many Years!
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in honor of Reader Samuel (Sokoluk Jr) on his birthday by Alexei, Lucia, and Amelia. Mnoghaya Lyeta! Many Years! 
 
Great Lent: Fasting from meat and dairy through Pascha Sunday April 16th.
  • Schedule of services this week- Saturday April 15th Nocturne, Pascha Matins and Liturgy 11:20PM, followed by Blessing of Baskets; Bright Monday April 17th Divine Liturgy 10AM; Sunday April 23rd St. Thomas Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
Luminaries for Pascha- Luminaries for Pascha night– These bags have the names of your loved ones “for the health of” or “In memory of”. It is a wonderful way to remember them as we process around the church at midnight and sing Christ is Risen! Thank you for your support!
 
Palm Sunday Fish Dinner – On Palm Sunday, April 2023, the Women’s Fellowship hosted our annual Fish dinner – appetizers, Fish, sides, wine and dessert! Thank you for your support!
 
Sunday School Lenten Project - The Journey through Great Lent Map is on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pascha. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed – Please help us continue coffee hours – See the sign-up poster on the kitchen door and remember we are now in great Lent so all food should be meat and dairy free. 
 
Ukrainian Prayers for Peace and Refuge Relief - we pray for the protection and well-being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. To help with this our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Giant Gift Cards – A good way to support the church all through the year – Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Lenten Season – Drop your nonperishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 
  
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
 
Readings for Pascha 
 
The Bright Resurrection of Christ, Troparion. Tone V Christ is risen from the dead, trampling on death by death, and on those in the tombs bestowing life.
 
Kontakion, Tone VIII Though Thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of hell, and didst rise again as Conqueror, O Christ our God, saying to the myrrhbearing women, Rejoice! and giving peace to Thine Apostles, and offering to the fallen resurrection.
 
Troparion O great and holiest Passover, Christ! O Wisdom, Word and Power of God! Grant that we may more perfectly partake of Thee in the unending Day of Thy Kingdom.
 
Exapostilarion Having slept in the flesh as a mortal, O King and Lord, Thou didst rise on the third day. Thou didst raise up Adam from corruption and abolish death, O Passover of incorruption, Salvation of the world!
 
Kontakion Though Thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of hell, and didst rise again as Conqueror, O Christ our God, saying to the myrrbearing women, Rejoice! And giving peace to Thine Apostles, and offering to the fallen resurrection. 
 
Troparia  In the grave bodily, in hell with the soul as God, in Paradise with the thief, and on the throne with the Father and the Spirit wast Thou Who fillest all things, O Christ the Infinite.
 
St. Nicetas the Confessor, Abbot of Medikion No Troparion is given in the Menaion.
 
Kontakion, Tone II: "Seeking the highest..." Having acquired a heavenly mind and life,/ thou shinest forth as brightly as the sun/ in the splendor of thy deeds/ and enlightenest them that are in the darkness of life,/ O father Nicetas, leading all to God.// Pray thou unceasingly in behalf of us all.
 
EPISTLE ACTS 1:1-8 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
 
GOSPEL JOHN 1:1-17 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' " And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
 
GOSPEL JOHN 20:19-25 (VESPERS, GOSPEL) Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." 
 
 
April 9, 2023

Sunday Bulletin - April 9, 2023
 
SUNDAY OF HOLY WEEK
THE ENTRY OF THE LORD INTO JERUSALEM
 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, April 9th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
Vera (Sunny Lawrence) 
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Evgenia (Sinitsky) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Nicholas (Roberts) on his passing into eternal life
+Samuel and +Julianna (Sr, Sokoluk) on his 9th anniversary of passing by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Olga (Candelori) on the first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by The Bedard Family
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Samuel (Sokoluk, Sr) on the 9th anniversary of his passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia, and Amelia. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
Great Lent: Fasting from meat and dairy through Pascha Sunday April 16th.
  • Schedule of services this week-  Wednesday April 12th Holy Unction 6PM; Thursday April 13th  Vesperal Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior; Matins of Holy Friday (Twelve Passion Gospels) 6:30PM; Friday April 14th Holy Friday Vespers 2PM; Matins of Holy Saturday 6:30PM; Saturday April 15th Vesperal Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, followed by Blessing of Baskets; Nocturne, Pascha Matins and Liturgy 11:20PM, followed by Blessing of Baskets; Bright Monday April 17th Divine Liturgy 10AM
  • Check our Online Calendar for all the Lenten services being served – attached is a Great Lent Calendar for your convenience –  schedule
  • Attached with this bulletin is the schedule for the Phila. Brotherhood of Orthodox clergy services – list of Sunday Lenten Vespers
 
Luminaries for Pascha- Luminaries for Pascha night– Now that it is lent, we are selling luminaries to be lit on Pascha night! These bags will have the names of your loved ones “for the health of” or “In memory of”. It is a wonderful way to remember them as we process around the church at midnight and sing Christ is Risen! Please see Tatiana Veres. They are $5 per bag or 6 for $25. 
 
Palm Sunday Fish Dinner – On Palm Sunday, April 2023, the Women’s Fellowship is hosting our annual Fish dinner – appetizers, Fish, sides, wine and dessert! Adults and children are $15 – please see Suzanne Veres or Diane Patrick.
 
Sunday School Lenten Project - The Journey through Great Lent Map is on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pascha. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed – Please help us continue coffee hours – See the sign-up poster on the kitchen door and remember we are now in great Lent so all food should be meat and dairy free. 
 
Ukrainian Prayers for Peace and Refuge Relief - we pray for the protection and well-being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. To help with this our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Giant Gift Cards – A good way to support the church all through the year – Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Lenten Season – Drop your nonperishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 
  
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
 
Readings for Sunday of Holy Week: The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem 
 
Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem, or Palm Sunday, Troparion, Tone I Thou didst give a pledge of the general resurrection before Thy Passion, O Christ our God, by raising Lazarus from the dead. Therefore, we too, like the children, carry the symbols of victory and cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the Heights! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
 
Another Troparion, Tone IV As by Baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were granted immortal life, and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the Heights! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord. 
 
Kontaklon, Tone VI On the throne in heaven and riding a colt on earth, O Christ our God, Thou didst receive the praise of Angels and the chorus of the children who cried to Thee: Blessed art Thou Who comest to recall Adam.
 
EPISTLE 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 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. But 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. But 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. Now 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 plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 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.
 
 
April 2, 2023

FIFTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT
SUNDAY OF SAINT MARY OF EGYPT
 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, April 2nd Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
Vera (Sunny Lawrence) 
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Anatole (Nasobkow) on his passing into eternal life by Greg and Gail Shast
+Samuel and +Julianna (Sr, Sokoluk) on his 9th anniversary of passing by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+John and +Olga (Candelori) on passing into eternal life by Justine
+Marya, +Trofim, and +Ludmilla on passing into eternal life by Natalia Seasholtz and Family
+Eugene (Coppola) by Mr. Dennis Starr
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Samuel (Sokoluk, Sr) on the 9th anniversary of his passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia, and Amelia. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
Great Lent: Fasting from meat and dairy through Pascha Sunday April 16th.
  • Schedule of services this week- Wednesday April 5th - 6:30 pm – Prescantified liturgy with Potluck Lenten meal afterwards – Please consider coming to this rewarding liturgy and bring a Lenten dish to share! Friday April 7th Feast of The Annunciation of Our Most Lady The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior; Saturday April 8th Lazarus Saturday Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior; Sunday April 9th The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Check our Online Calendar for all the Lenten services being served – attached is a Great Lent Calendar for your convenience –  schedule
  • Attached with this bulletin is the schedule for the Phila. Brotherhood of Orthodox clergy services – list of Sunday Lenten Vespers
 
Luminaries for Pascha- Luminaries for Pascha night– Now that it is lent, we are selling luminaries to be lit on Pascha night! These bags will have the names of your loved ones “for the health of” or “In memory of”. It is a wonderful way to remember them as we process around the church at midnight and sing Christ is Risen! Please see Tatiana Veres in church to purchase them, or email her at tveres@outlook.com. They are $5 per bag or 6 for $25. 
 
Palm Sunday Fish Dinner – On Palm Sunday, April 2023, the Women’s Fellowship is hosting our annual Fish dinner – appetizers, Fish, sides, wine and dessert! Adults and children are $15 – please see Suzanne Veres blgt@msn.com or Diane Patrick at dianepatrick07@gmail.com
 
Sunday School Lenten Project - The Journey through Great Lent Map is on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pascha. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed – Please help us continue coffee hours – See the sign-up poster on the kitchen door and remember we are now in great Lent so all food should be meat and dairy free. 
 
Ukrainian Prayers for Peace and Refuge Relief - we pray for the protection and well-being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. To help with this our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Giant Gift Cards – A good way to support the church all through the year – Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Lenten Season – Drop your nonperishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 
  
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
 
Readings for Fifth Sunday of Great Lent
 
The Fifth Sunday of Great Lent: Venerable Mary of Egypt, Troparion, Tone VIII In thee, O Mother, was carefully preserved what is according to the Image. For thou didst take the Cross and follow Christ. By so doing thou didst teach us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away, but to care for the soul as an immortal thing. Therefore, St. Mary, thy spirit rejoices with the Angels. 
 
Kontakion, Having escaped the fog of sin, and having illumined thy heart with the light of penitence, O glorious one, thou didst come to Christ and didst offer to Him His immaculate and holy Mother as a merciful intercessor. Hence thou hast found remission for transgressions, and with the angels thou ever rejoicest.
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone I When the stone had been sealed by the Jews; / while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure Body; / Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior, / granting life to the world. / The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of Life: / Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! / Glory to Thy Kingdom! / Glory to Thy dispensation, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Tone I When Gabriel announced to Thee, O Virgin, “Rejoice!” / with that word the Master of all was incarnate in Thee, O Holy Ark. / As the righteous David said, / Thy womb became more spacious than the heavens, bearing Thy Creator. / Glory to Him Who took abode in Thee! / Glory to Him Who came from Thee! / Glory to Him Who freed us by being born of Thee!
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone I As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory, / raising the world with Thyself. / Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished! / Adam exults, O Master! / Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage, and cries to Thee: / Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!
 
Fathers Slain in the Monastery of St. Sabbas No Troparion given in the Menaion.
 
EPISTLE HEBREWS 9:11-14  But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
 
EPISTLE GALATIANS 3:23-29 (VENERABLE MARY)  But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
 
GOSPEL MARK 10:32-45 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again. Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. 
 
GOSPEL LUKE 7:36-50 (VENERABLE MARY) Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, "This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner." And Jesus answered and said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." So he said, "Teacher, say it." There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more? Simon answered and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have rightly judged." Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

 

March 26, 2023

FOURTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT
SUNDAY OF SAINT JOHN CLIMACUS 
 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, March 26th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Anatole (Nasobkow) on his passing into eternal life by his brother Stephen and family
Newly departed +Victor (Belokon) on his passing into eternal life by Evgeniya and family
+Samuel and +Julianna (Sr, Sokoluk) on his 9th anniversary of passing by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Marya, +Trofim, and +Ludmilla on passing into eternal life by Natalia Seasholtz and Family
+Helen (Karnick) on the 3rd anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Mr. Dennis Starr
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Samuel (Sokoluk, Sr) on the 9th anniversary of his passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia, and Amelia. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
Great Lent: Fasting from meat and dairy through Pascha Sunday April 16th.
  • Schedule of services this week- Wednesday March 29th - 6:30 pm – Prescantified liturgy with Potluck Lenten meal afterwards – Please consider coming to this rewarding liturgy and bring a Lenten dish to share! Sunday April 2nd Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, St. Mary of Egypt Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Check our Online Calendar for all the Lenten services being served – attached is a Great Lent Calendar for your convenience –  schedule
  • Attached with this bulletin is the schedule for the Phila. Brotherhood of Orthodox clergy services – list of Sunday Lenten Vespers
 
Luminaries for Pascha- Luminaries for Pascha night– Now that it is lent, we are selling luminaries to be lit on Pascha night! These bags will have the names of your loved ones “for the health of” or “In memory of”. It is a wonderful way to remember them as we process around the church at midnight and sing Christ is Risen! Please see Tatiana Veres in church to purchase them, or email her. They are $5 per bag or 6 for $25. 
 
Palm Sunday Fish Dinner – On Palm Sunday, April 2023, the Women’s Fellowship is hosting our annual Fish dinner – appetizers, Fish, sides, wine and dessert! Adults and children are $15 – please see Suzanne Veres or Diane Patrick.
 
Sunday School Lenten Project - The Journey through Great Lent Map is on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pascha. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed – Please help us continue coffee hours – See the sign-up poster on the kitchen door and remember we are now in great Lent so all food should be meat and dairy free. 
 
Ukrainian Prayers for Peace and Refuge Relief - we pray for the protection and well-being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. To help with this our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Giant Gift Cards – A good way to support the church all through the year – Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Lenten Season – Drop your nonperishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 
  
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
 
Readings for Fourth Sunday of Great Lent
 
The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent: Venerable John Lestvichnik, Troparion, Tone I Thou didst prove to be a freeman of the desert, an angel in a body, and a wonder-worker, O our God - bearing Father John. By fasting, vigil and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of those who have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him Who gave thee strength, glory to Him Who crowned thee, glory to Him Who works through thee healings for all. 
 
Kontakion, Offering ever-blossoming fruits of learning from thy book, O wise one, thou delightest the hearts of those who study it seriously, O blessed one. For it is a ladder which leads up from the earth to the heavenly and abiding glory souls who with faith honour thee.
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone VIII Thou didst descend from on high, O Merciful One! / Thou didst accept the three-day burial to free us from our sufferings! / O Lord, our Life and Resurrection: glory to Thee!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, For our sake Thou wast born of the Virgin / and did endure crucifixion, O Good One, / destroying death by death. / Revealing the resurrection as God, / do not despise the work of Thy hand. / Reveal Thy love for man, O merciful One, / and accept the Theotokos praying for us, / and save Thy despairing people, O Savior.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, By rising from the tomb, Thou didst raise the dead and resurrect Adam. / Eve exults in Thy Resurrection, / and the world celebrates Thy rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!
 
Translation of the Relics of St. Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople No Troparion. 
Kontakion, The choir of patriarchs doth honor thy holy memory/ with praises and hymns, O Nicephorus;/ for it received thy soul at thy translation, O glorious one./ Wherefore, today the holy Church, magnifying Christ the King,// doth glorify Him Who alone loveth mankind.
 
EPISTLE HEBREWS 6:13-20 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
 
GOSPEL MARK 9:17-31  Then one of the crowd answered and said, "Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not. He answered him and said, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me." Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: "Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!" Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."  Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. For He taught His disciples and said to them, "The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day."
 
EPISTLE EPHESIANS 5:9-19 (VENERABLE JOHN LESTVICHNIK) (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light." See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 4:25-5:12 (VENERABLE JOHN LESTVICHNIK) Great multitudes followed Him-from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

March 19, 2023

 
 
THIRD SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT
ADORATION OF PRECIOUS CROSS
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, March 19th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
+Archpriest Vincent (Saverino) by Saverino Family
Newly departed +Anatole (Nasobkow) on his passing into eternal life by his brother Stephen and family
Newly departed +Victor (Belokon) on his passing into eternal life by Evgeniya and family
+Samuel and +Julianna (Sr, Sokoluk) on anniversary by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Alexander and +Olga (Sokoluk) on his birthday and on anniversary of her passing by Sokoluk Family
+Alexis (Yanokovoy) on anniversary of passing into eternal life Alexei, Anna, Luke, Lucia, Margueritte &Amelia
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Alexander (Sokoluk) on his birthday and +Olga (Sokoluk) on the anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family and +Alexis (Yankovoy) on the anniversary of his passing into eternal life by Alexei, Anna, Luke, Lucia, Margueritte, and Amelia. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
Great Lent: Fasting from meat and dairy through Pascha Sunday April 16th.
  • Schedule of services this week- Wednesday March 22nd - 6:30 pm – Prescantified liturgy with Potluck Lenten meal afterwards – Please consider coming to this rewarding liturgy and bring a Lenten dish to share! Saturday March 25th Vespers 5PM Sunday March 26th Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, St. John Climacus Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Check our Online Calendar for all the Lenten services being served – attached is a Great Lent Calendar for your convenience –  schedule
  • Attached with this bulletin is the schedule for the Phila. Brotherhood of Orthodox clergy services – list of Sunday Lenten Vespers
 
Luminaries for Pascha- Luminaries for Pascha night– Now that it is lent, we are selling luminaries to be lit on Pascha night! These bags will have the names of your loved ones “for the health of” or “In memory of”. It is a wonderful way to remember them as we process around the church at midnight and sing Christ is Risen! Please see Tatiana Veres in church to purchase them. They are $5 per bag or 6 for $25. 
 
Palm Sunday Fish Dinner – On Palm Sunday, April 2023, the Women’s Fellowship is hosting our annual Fish dinner – appetizers, Fish, sides, wine and dessert! Adults and children are $15 – please see Suzanne Veres or Diane Patrick. 
 
Sunday School Lenten Project - The Journey through Great Lent Map is soon on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pascha. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed – Please help us continue coffee hours – See the sign-up poster on the kitchen door and remember we are now in great Lent so all food should be meat and dairy free. 
 
Ukrainian Prayers for Peace and Refuge Relief - we pray for the protection and well-being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. To help with this our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Giant Gift Cards – A good way to support the church all through the year – Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Lenten Season – Drop your nonperishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 
  
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
 
Readings for Third Sunday of Great Lent
 
Third Sunday of the Great Lent: Adoration of Cross, Troparion, Tone I O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory over their enemies to Orthodox Christians, and protect Thy people with Thy Cross. 
 
Kontakion, O Christ our God, Who wast voluntarily lifted up on the Cross, grant Thy mercies to Thy new people named after Thee. Gladden with Thy power Orthodox Christians and give them victory over their enemies. May they have as an ally that invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace. 
 
Another Kontakion, No longer does the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden, for a glorious extinction has come upon it, the wood of the Cross. The sting has been drawn from death and the victory from hell. And Thou, my Saviour, didst come and shout to those in hell: Enter Paradise again.
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone VII By Thy Cross, Thou didst destroy death! / To the thief, Thou didst open Paradise! / For the myrrhbearers, Thou didst change weeping into joy! / And Thou didst command Thy disciples, O Christ God, / to proclaim that Thou art risen, / granting the world great mercy!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Since you are the treasure of our resurrection, / we put our hope in you, O all-praised one. / Lead us from the abyss of transgressions, / for you have saved those guilty of sin, / O evervirgin Mother of our salvation.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, The dominion of death / can no longer hold men captive, / for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers! / Hell is bound, while the prophets rejoice and cry: /”The Savior has come to those in faith! / Enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!
 
The 42 Martyrs of Amorium, In their sufferings, O Lord,/ Thy martyrs received imperishable crowns from Thee our God;/ for, possessed of Thy might,/ they set at nought the tormentors and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons.// By their supplications save Thou our souls.
 
Kontakion, Having suffered on earth for the sake of Christ,/ and been shown to be pious crown-bearers,/ ye have received the reward of dwelling in joy in the heavens;/ for, having set at nought every wile of the enemy,// by the pain and blood of your wounds ye ever bestow remission of sins from on high upon them that praise you.
 
Kontakion, With wreaths of praise, as is meet, let us all crown the newly-revealed stars of faith/ who suffered ardently for Christ/ and who pray to Him in our behalf,// in that they are pillars and ramparts of the Christian realm.
 
EPISTLE HEBREWS 4:14-5:6  Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:"You are My Son, Today I have begotten You." As He also says in another place:"You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek";
 
GOSPEL MARK 8:34-9:1  When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power." 
 
 
February 26, 2023

Sunday Bulletin - February 26, 2023
SUNDAY OF FORGIVENESS (CHEESEFARE)
LENTEN TRIODION
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
Forgiveness Vespers 
 
The Sunday of Forgiveness 
Sunday of Cheesefare: Expulsion of Adam from Paradise
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, February 26th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Anatole (Nasobkow) on his passing into eternal life by his brother Stephen and family
Newly departed +Victor (Belokon) on his passing into eternal life by Evgeniya and family
Newly departed +John (Evanina) on his passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Samuel (Sr) and +Julianna (Sokoluk) on anniversary by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Rose Marie (Staso) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Charles (Staso Sr) on his birthday and their anniversary by Staso Family &
+Justina (Staso) on 25th anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Staso Family
 
Forgiveness Vespers, today following Divine Liturgy 
 
Today, enjoy our annual freshly made Waffles and Ice Cream! 
Maslenitsa week concludes today with a special coffee hour menu featuring delicious dairy inspired delicacies. All proceeds benefit the Sunday School youth program. Thank you in advance of your support and may it bring a warm feeling of summer in these cold winter months.
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Charles (Sr) and +Justina (Staso) on his birthday and their anniversary & on the 25th anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Staso Family. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
Great Lent begins Monday February 27th. Fasting from meat and dairy through Pascha Sunday April 16th.
 
Cheese Fare Sunday, Kontakion, Tone VI O Lord, Who art the guide to wisdom, the bestower of prudence, the instructor of the thoughtless, and the protector of the poor, strengthen and enlighten my heart. Give me the gift of expression, O Thou Who art the Word of the Father; for behold I will not prevent my lips from crying to Thee: O Merciful Lord, have mercy on me who have fallen.
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone IV When the women disciples of the Lord learned from the angel / the joyous message of Thy resurrection, / they cast away the ancestral curse / and elatedly told the Apostles: / Death is overthrown! / Christ God is risen, / granting the world great mercy!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Tone IV The mystery of all eternity, / unknown even by angels, / through you, O Theotokos, is revealed to those on earth: / God incarnate, by union without confusion. / He voluntarily accepted the cross for us, / by which He resurrected the first-created man, / saving our souls from death.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone IV My Savior and Redeemer as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earthborn from their chains. He has shattered the gates of hell, and as Master, He has risen on the third day!
 
Venerable Father Martinian, Troparion, With the streams of thy tears thou didst quench the flames of temptations, O blessed one,/ and taming the billows of the sea and the raging of wild beasts, thou didst cry out:// Most glorious art Thou, O Almighty, Who savest me from fire and tempest!
 
Kontakion, Tone II "The steadfast" As a skilled ascetic of piety,/ an honored athlete by volition,/ and an inhabitant and citizen of the desert,/ we praise the ever-honorable Martinian in hymns, as is meet;// for he trampled the serpent underfoot.
 
EPISTLE ROMANS 13:11-14:4 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. 
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 6:14-21 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.  Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 
 
News released by the Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA 
"The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land announced for Spring 2023 Pilgrimages to the Holy Land The Patriarchal Parishes is organizing pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Details attached. Russian speaking group led by Fr. Andrey Kovalev will travel March 6-17 (2nd/3rd week of Lent) Russian Group Itinerary: Click here  English speaking group led by Fr. John Vass will travel April 24-May 6 (2nd/3rd week of Pascha). English Group Itinerary: Click here  To register for a pilgrimage and to receive important updates Click Here  
 
Antiochian Patriarchal Vicar visits St. Nicholas Cathedral On Thursday, February 2, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Patriarch of Antioch, Metropolitan Anthony (El-Suri), who temporarily heads the Antiochian Archdiocese in North America until the election of its primate, visited St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York. His Eminence was accompanied by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Antioch, Archpriest Thomas Zain, an employee of its office, Rev. Paul Matar, the Metropolitan's personal secretary, Hieromonk Porfiry (Ibrahim), and Subdeacon Elio Nicholas. Metropolitan Anthony was met by the Rector of the Nicholas Cathedral and Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, and Vice-Chancellor Priest Mark Rashkov. After a short tour and veneration of the cathedral shrines, Metropolitan Anthony conveyed the best wishes of His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East and thanked the clergy of the cathedral for their hospitality and the opportunity to visit the temple. In memory of this visit, Father Igor presented Metropolitan Anthony as a gift with an icon depicting the founders of St.Nicholas Cathedral: St. Tikhon, Patriarch of All Russia, and Hieromartyr Protopresbyter Alexander Khotovitsky. The conversation continued over a meal offered to the guests at the representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA."The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Archbishop Daniel of Chicago & the Midwest celebrates Divine Liturgy in St. Nicholas Cathedral On Sunday, January 29, at the invitation of the Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Archbishop Daniel of Chicago & the Midwest (OCA) celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City. His Eminence was concelebrated by Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, cathedral rector and Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Priest Alexander Koranda, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, and Priest Mark Rashkov, Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. At the end of the service, Archbishop Daniel congratulated those gathered on Sunday and addressed the parishioners with a sermon dedicated to the gospel reading. On behalf of Bishop Matthew, the clergy and parishioners of the cathedral, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov addressed Archbishop Daniel with a word of gratitude for the joyous celebration and, in memory of the divine service, presented him with a gift of an icon depicting the founders of St. Nicholas Cathedral: St. Tikhon, Patriarch of All Russia, and Hieromartyr Protopresbyter Alexander Khotovitsky. Interaction between His Eminence, the clergy and parishioners continued at a fraternal meal prepared by Matushka Alla Vyzhanova and the cathedral sisterhood. "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Father to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please call 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
2023 February
  • Sunday February 26th Sunday of Forgiveness Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior; Forgiveness Vespers after 
  • Monday February 27th Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete 6PM
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
 2023 Pre Lent, Great Lent, and Pascha Dates
Sunday of Forgiveness / Cheesefare Sunday February 26th
Great Lent Begins Monday February 27th
Feast of The Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary April 7th 
Feast of Entry of Our Lord Jesus Christ Into Jerusalem / Palm Sunday April 9th
Holy Week Monday April 10th - 15th
Pascha Sunday April 16th, 2023
 
Sunday School News The Journey through Great Lent Map is soon on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pascha. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk.  
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Father is available. Please speak with Father to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Father to receive a blessing. 
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2023 (*subject to change during Great Lent & Pascha)
  • March 19th *
  • April 16th*
  • May 21st
  • June 18th
  • July 16th
  • August 20th
  • September 17th
  • October 15th
  • November 19th 
  • December 17th
 
Panikhida, Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile is no longer in service. 
 
Giant Gift Cards – A good way to support the church all through the year –  Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2023 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
Annual Meeting, was held on Sunday January 29, 2023. Nominations from the floor were accepted, then votes were cast by ballot. Election results are as follows for 2023: 
 
President Suzanne Veres
Vice President Denise Rutherford
Treasurer Deborah Barth
Assistant Treasurer Charles Staso
Comptroller Gregory Shast 
Assistant Comptroller Joel Patrick
Assistant Comptroller Justine Paul
Recording Secretary Genevieve Veres
Trustees 
Marlene Blaskevitch
Nikola Filipovic
Kenneth Koscinski
Reader Thom Nickels
Subdeacon Michael Peleszak
Joseph Rutherford
Tatiana Saverino Sarris
Nadine Sokoluk 
Reader Samuel Sokoluk, Jr
Maryann Storey
Tatiana Veres Getler
 
2023 Church Calendars and 2023 Envelopes – 2023 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Winter Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! for supporting the Spaghetti Dinner on Meatfare Sunday, February 19th. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
February 11, 2023

Sunday Bulletin - February 12, 2023
SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON 
LENTEN TRIODION
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
Commemorated February 12 The Sunday after the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. This parable of God’s forgiveness calls us to “come to ourselves” as did the prodigal son, to see ourselves as being “in a far country” far from the Father’s house, and to make the journey of return to God. 
 
Commemorated January 30 / February 12
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, February 12th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Subdeacon Michael (Peleszak) on his special birthday by Alexei
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +John (Evanina) on his passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Julianna (Sokoluk) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Rose Marie (Staso) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Nicholas (Nayko) on anniversary of passing into eternal life by Alexei, Anna, Lucia, Luke, Marguerite & Amelia
+Carol Irene (Kauriga) on anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Gregory P. Kauriga and Family
+Anna (Kowal) by Mr. Dennis Starr
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Nicholas (Nayko) and +Carol Irene (Kauriga) on anniversary of their passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
The Prodigal Son, Kontakion, Tone III Having foolishly abandoned Thy paternal glory, I have squandered on vices the wealth Thou gavest me. Therefore I cry to Thee, O compassionate Father, receive me who repent, and treat me as one of Thy hired servants.
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone II When Thou didst descend to death, O Life immortal, / Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead! / And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, / all the powers of heaven cried out: / O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, All beyond thought, all most glorious, / are your mysteries, O Theotokos. / Sealed in purity, preserved in virginity, / you were revealed to be the true Mother who gave birth to the true God. / Entreat Him to save our souls.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone II Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, / seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! / The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! / And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.
 
Three Holy Hierarchs, Troparion, Tone IV In that ye share in the ways of the apostles, O teachers of the whole world, entreat the Master of all, that He grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.
 
Kontakion, Tone II, "The steadfast" The sacred and divinely eloquent preachers, the foremost among the teachers, O Lord, hast Thou received into the delight of Thy good things and into rest; for Thou hast accepted their pangs and labors as greater than any wholeburnt offer­ing, O Thou Who alone dost glorify Thy saints.
 
EPISTLE 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12-20 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh." But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 15:11-32  Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. ' And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 'But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.' "
 
EPISTLE HEBREWS 13:7-16 (HIERARCHS)  Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 5:14-19 (HIERARCHS) You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
 
News released by the Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA 
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land The Patriarchal Parishes is organizing pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Details attached. Russian speaking group led by Fr. Andrey Kovalev will travel March 6-17 (2nd/3rd week of Lent) Russian Group Itinerary: Click here  English speaking group led by Fr. John Vass will travel April 24-May 6 (2nd/3rd week of Pascha). English Group Itinerary: Click here  To register for a pilgrimage and to receive important updates Click Here  
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Father to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please call 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
The Spaghetti Dinner is back! The spaghetti dinner will be held on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023 in the church hall following services.Cost: Adults: $15.00; Children ages 3-10: $10.00; Under 3: Free; Take out will be available if you cannot stay for the festivities.Donations to offset the cost and/or donations of beverages and desserts are greatly appreciated. BYOB Contact: Diane Patrick.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2023 February 
  • Sunday February 12th Sunday of The Prodigal Son Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
2023 Pre Lent, Great Lent, and Pascha Dates
Sunday of Publican and Pharisee Sunday February 5th
Sunday of Prodigal Son Sunday February 12th   
Sunday of Last Judgement / Meatfare Sunday February 19th 
Sunday of Forgiveness / Cheesefare Sunday February 26th
Great Lent Begins Monday February 27th
Feast of Entry of Our Lord Jesus Christ Into Jerusalem / Palm Sunday April 9th
Holy Week Monday April 10th - 15th
Pascha Sunday April 16th, 2023
 
Sunday School News The Journey through Great Lent Map is soon on display, and will be filled with crafts each week through Pascha. The school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Nadine Sokoluk.  
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  • Hieromartyr Hippolytus, and those with him Commemorated January 30 / February 12 The Hieromartyr Hippolytus, and the Martyrs Censorinus, Sabinus, Chryse the Virgin and 20 others suffered during the third century. When Saint Hippolytus, Bishop of Rome, learned of the suffering of the martyrs, he appeared before the governor despite his   (read more by clicking link) 
  • Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cyrus and John, and those with them Commemorated January 31 / February 13 Saint Cyrus was a noted physician in the city of Alexandria, where he had been born and raised. He was a Christian and he treated the sick without charge, not only curing their bodily afflictions, but also healing their spiritual infirmities. He would say, “Whoever wishes to avoid being ill should refrain from (read more by clicking link) 
  • Martyr Tryphon of Lampsacus Near Apamea in Syria Commemorated February 01 / February 14 The Martyr Tryphon was born in Phrygia, one of the districts of Asia Minor, in the village of Lampsacus. From his early years the Lord granted him the power to cast out demons and to heal various maladies. He once saved the inhabitants of his native city from starvation. Saint Tryphon, by the power  (read more by clicking link) 
  • The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple Commemorated February 02 / February 15 The Meeting of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is described in the third Gospel (Luke 2:22-40). Forty days after His birth the Divine Child was brought to the Temple at Jerusalem to be presented to the Lord. According to the Law of Moses (Lev. 12:2-8), a woman who gave birth to a male child was forbidden to enter the Temple for forty days. At the end of the time of her  (read more by clicking link) 
  • Holy, Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver Commemorated February 03 / February 16 Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver was, according to the testimony of the holy Evangelist Luke, a just and devout man waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him (Luke 2:25). God promised him that he would not die until the promised Messiah, Christ the Lord, came into the world. Ancient historians tell us (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable Isidore of Pelusium Commemorated February 04 / February 17 Saint Isidore of Pelusium lived during the fourth-fifth centuries. He was a native of Alexandria, and was raised among pious Christians. He was a relative of Theophilus, Archbishop of Alexandria, and of his successor, Saint Cyril (January 18). While still a youth he quit the world and withdrew to Egypt to Mount Pelusium, which became the site of his  (read more by clicking link) 
  • Repose of Saint Theodosius of Chernigov Commemorated February 05 / February 18 Saint Theodosius, Archbishop of Chernigov, was born in the seventeenth century at the beginning of the decade of the thirties in Podolsk governance. He was descended from a noble family, the Polonitsky-Uglitskys. His parents were the priest Nikḗtas and Maria. The saint was taught Christian piety in his parents’ home, and this piety remained with him throughout his life. From childhood he was distinguished by a fervent love  (read more by clicking link) 
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Father is available. Please speak with Father to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Father to receive a blessing. 
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2023 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
Annual Meeting, was held on Sunday January 29, 2023. Nominations from the floor were accepted, then votes were cast by ballot. Election results are as follows for 2023: 
 
President Suzanne Veres
Vice President Denise Rutherford
Treasurer Deborah Barth
Assistant Treasurer Charles Staso
Comptroller Gregory Shast 
Assistant Comptroller Joel Patrick
Assistant Comptroller Justine Paul
Recording Secretary Genevieve Veres
 
Trustees 
Marlene Blaskevitch
Nikola Filipovic
Kenneth Koscinski
Reader Thom Nickels
Subdeacon Michael Peleszak
Joseph Rutherford
Tatiana Saverino Sarris
Nadine Sokoluk 
Reader Samuel Sokoluk, Jr
Maryann Storey
Tatiana Veres Getler
 
2023 Church Calendars and 2023 Envelopes – 2023 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Winter Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! for welcoming our dean of Atlantic States, Fr John (Vass) on Sunday, February 5th. 
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
February 5, 2023

Sunday Bulletin - February 5, 2023
SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE 
LENTEN TRIODION
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
Commemorated February 05 The Sunday after the Sunday of Zacchaeus is devoted to the Publican and the Pharisee. 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, February 5th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
+Archpriest John (Udics) on 7th anniversary of his passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +John (Evanina) on his passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Julianna (Sokoluk) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Rose Marie (Staso) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Nikolas (Nayko) on anniversary of passing into eternal life by Alexei, Anna, Lucia, Luke, Marguerite & Amelia
+Carol Irene (Kauriga) on anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Anna (Kowal) by Mr. Dennis Starr
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Archpriest John Udics and +Nicholas (Nayko) and +Julianna (Sokoluk) and Rose (Staso) on their first anniversary of their passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
Today, Installation of Parish Council for the year 2023 will be at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy
 
Week of the Publican and the Pharisee, Fast Free Week February 5th through Feb. 11th
 
After Matin Gospel, Publican and the Pharisee, Troparion, Open to me the doors of repentance, O Life-giver. For my spirit rises early to pray towards Thy holy temple, bearing the temple of my body all defiled. But in Thy compassion, purify me by the loving kindness of Thy mercy. 
 
Theotokion: Make straight for me the paths of salvation, O Mother of God. For I have profaned my soul with shameful sins, and have wasted my whole life in easy-going indifference. But by thy intercessions deliver me from all uncleanness. 
 
Tone VI — Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions, blot out my transgression. When I think of the multitude of ghastly things I have done, wretch that I am, I tremble at the fearful day of Judgment. But trusting in the mercy of Thy loving kindness; like David I cry to Thee: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy. 
 
(Note: These penitential songs are sung on Sundays during the Great Fast from the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee to the fifth week.)
 
Kontakion, Let us avoid the proud speaking of the Pharisee and learn humility from the groans of the Publican, and let us cry in penitence: O Saviour of the world, be merciful to Thy servants.
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone I When the stone had been sealed by the Jews; / while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure Body; / Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior, / granting life to the world. / The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of Life: / Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! / Glory to Thy Kingdom! / Glory to Thy dispensation, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, When Gabriel announced to Thee, O Virgin, “Rejoice!” / with that word the Master of all was incarnate in Thee, O Holy Ark. / As the righteous David said, / Thy womb became more spacious than the heavens, bearing Thy Creator. / Glory to Him Who took abode in Thee! / Glory to Him Who came from Thee! / Glory to Him Who freed us by being born of Thee!
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory, / raising the world with Thyself. / Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished! / Adam exults, O Master! / Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage, and cries to Thee: / Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!
 
Hieromartyr Clement, Bishop of Ancyra, Troparion, Thou hast been given to the faithful, O most sacred one, as a branch of holiness and a stem of struggle, a most sacred flower and divinely bestowed and everblossoming fruit. As a fellow sufferer of the martyrs and a fellow-prelate of hierarchs, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.
 
Kontakion, Thou wast a precious scion of Christ the branch, O much-suffering and most lauded Clement, and thou didst cry out with those who suffered: "Thou art the radiant joy of the martyrs, O Christ!"
 
EPSITLE 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-15 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra-what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 18:10-14  Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 'I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 
 
EPISTLE ROMANS 8:28-39 (MARTYRS) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:"For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 21:8-19 (MARTYRS) And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.
 
News released by the Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA 
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land The Patriarchal Parishes is organizing pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Details attached. Russian speaking group led by Fr. Andrey Kovalev will travel March 6-17 (2nd/3rd week of Lent) Russian Group Itinerary: Click here  English speaking group led by Fr. John Vass will travel April 24-May 6 (2nd/3rd week of Pascha). English Group Itinerary: Click here  To register for a pilgrimage and to receive important updates Click Here  
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Father to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please call 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
The Spaghetti Dinner is back! The spaghetti dinner will be held on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023 in the church hall following services.Cost: Adults: $15.00; Children ages 3-10: $10.00; Under 3: Free; Take out will be available if you cannot stay for the festivities.Donations to offset the cost and/or donations of beverages and desserts are greatly appreciated. BYOB Contact: Diane Patrick at dianepatrick07@gmail.com or 609.870.744
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2023 February 
  • Sunday February 5th Sunday of Publican and Pharisee Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
2023 Pre Lent, Great Lent, and Pascha Dates
Sunday of Publican and Pharisee Sunday February 5th
Sunday of Prodigal Son Sunday February 12th   
Sunday of Last Judgement / Meatfare Sunday February 19th 
Sunday of Forgiveness / Cheesefare Sunday February 26th
Great Lent Begins Monday February 27th
Feast of Entry of Our Lord Jesus Christ Into Jerusalem / Palm Sunday April 9th
Holy Week Monday April 10th - 15th
Pascha Sunday April 16th, 2023
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade.
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  •  HOLY NEW MARTYRS AND CONFESSORS OF RUSSIA  Commemorated on the Sunday, after January 25th, Russian Orthodox Church - the Moscow Patriarchate. Today we commemorate the uncounted millions of faithful who suffered and died at the hands of the Soviet atheists. These include the Tsar-martyr Nicholas II and the rest of the Russian Royal Family (July 4); Patriarch Tikhon (March 24); Grand Duchess Elizabeth (July 5); thousands of martyrs, both clergy and laity, whose names are known; but also millions upon millions of simple believers whose names have been lost to history. The number of the New Martyrs of Russia far exceeds all those from the "Age of the Martyrs," the first three centuries of Christianity. May their memory be eternal. The date of this commemoration was first set by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia in 1981, then adopted by the Moscow Patriarchate in 1992. About 1050 new martyrs were glorified by the Patriarchate in 2000, and many more are expected to be recognized in coming years. (read more by clicking link) 
  • Hieromartyr Clement, Bishop of Ancyra, and Martyr Agathangelus Commemorated January 23 / February 05 The Hieromartyr Clement was born in the Galatian city of Ancyra in the year 258, of a pagan father and a Christian mother. He lost his father when he was an infant, and his mother when he was twelve. She predicted a martyr’s death for him because of his belief in Christ. A woman named Sophia adopted him and raised him in the fear of God. During a terrible famine in Galatia several   (read more by clicking link) 
  • Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg  Commemorated January 24 / February 06 Saint Xenia lived during the eighteenth century, but little is known of her life or of her family. She passed most of her life in Petersburg during the reigns of the empresses Elizabeth and Catherine II. Xenia Grigorievna Petrova was the wife of an army officer, Major Andrew Petrov. After the wedding, the couple lived in Saint Petersburg. Saint Xenia became a widow at the age of   (read more by clicking link) 
  • Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople Commemorated January 25 / February 07 Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople, a great Father and teacher of the Church, was born into a Christian family of eminent lineage in the year 329, at Arianzos (not far from the city of Cappadocian Nazianzos). His father, also named Gregory (January 1), was Bishop of Nazianzus. The son is the Saint Gregory Nazianzus encountered in Patristic theology. His pious mother, Saint Nonna (August 5), prayed to God for a son, vowing  (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable Xenophon, his wife, Mary, and their two sons, Arcadius and John, of Constantinople Commemorated January 26 / February 08 Saint Xenophon, his wife Maria, and their sons Arcadius and John, were noted citizens of Constantinople and lived in the fifth century. Despite their riches and position, they distinguished themselves by their simplicity of soul and goodness of heart. Wishing to give their sons John and Arcadius a more complete education, they sent them off to the Phoenician city of Beirut. By divine Providence the ship  (read more by clicking link) 
  • Translation of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople Commemorated January 27 / February 09 Saint John Chrysostom, the great ecumenical teacher and hierarch, died in the city of Comana in the year 407 on his way to a place of exile. He had been condemned by the intrigues of the empress Eudoxia because of his daring denunciation of the vices of those ruling over Constantinople. The transfer of his venerable relics was made in the year 438, thirty years after the death of the saint,   (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable Ephraim the Syrian Commemorated January 28 / February 10 Saint Ephraim the Syrian, a teacher of repentance, was born at the beginning of the fourth century in the city of Nisibis (Mesopotamia) into the family of impoverished toilers of the soil. His parents raised their son in piety, but from his childhood he was known for his quick temper and impetuous character. He often had fights, acted thoughtlessly, and even doubted God’s Providence. He finally recovered his  (read more by clicking link) 
  • Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch Commemorated January 29 / February 11 The Transfer of the Relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer: (See December 20). After the holy hieromartyr Ignatius was thrown to the lions in the year 107 on the orders of the emperor Trajan, Christians gathered up his bones and preserved them at Rome. Later, in the year 108, the saint’s relics were collected and buried outside the gate of Daphne at Antioch. A second transfer, to the city of Antioch  (read more by clicking link) 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Father is available. Please speak with Father to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Father to receive a blessing. 
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2023 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
Annual Meeting, was held on Sunday January 29, 2023. Nominations from the floor were accepted, then votes were cast by ballot. Election results are as follows for 2023: 
 
President Suzanne Veres
Vice President Denise Rutherford
Treasurer Deborah Barth
Assistant Treasurer Charles Staso
Comptroller Gregory Shast 
Assistant Comptroller Joel Patrick
Assistant Comptroller Justine Paul
Recording Secretary Genevieve Veres
 
Trustees 
Marlene Blaskevitch
Nikola Filipovic
Kenneth Koscinski
Reader Thom Nickels
Subdeacon Michael Peleszak
Joseph Rutherford
Tatiana Saverino Sarris
Nadine Sokoluk 
Reader Samuel Sokoluk, Jr
Maryann Storey
Tatiana Veres Getler
 
2023 Church Calendars and 2023 Envelopes – 2023 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Winter Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! for joining us for the Annual Parish Meeting and for welcoming our visitors from Michigan, Fr. Lawrence (Bacik) and Matushka Marie.
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
January 29, 2023

 

Sunday Bulletin - January 29, 2023
THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
SUNDAY OF ZACCHAEUS
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
 
Commemorated January 16 / January 29 The Veneration of the Honorable Chains of the Holy and All-Praised Apostle Peter: In about the year 42, on the orders of Herod Agrippa, the Apostle Peter was thrown into prison for preaching about Christ the Savior. In prison he was held secure by two iron chains. During the night before his trial, an angel of the Lord removed these chains from the Apostle Peter and led him out from the prison (Acts 12:1-11).
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, January 29th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Nikolai (Onopchenko) on his passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +John (Evanina) on his passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Julianna (Sokoluk) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Rose Marie (Staso) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Carol Irene (Kauriga) on anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Gregory P. Kauriga & Family
+Mary (Prokopczek) by Mr. Dennis Starr
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Julianna (Sokoluk) and +Rose (Staso) on their first anniversary of their passing into eternal life and +Samuel (Sokoluk, Sr) and +Valentina (Kunasz) on their birthday by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
Welcome, Father Lawrence (Bacik) and Matushka Marie, who are visiting our parish today, from St. Elias Eastern Orthodox Church in Battle Creek, Michigan (Patriarchal Parishes of the USA, Moscow Patriarchate). 
 
Today, Annual Meeting, Sunday January 29, 2023 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone VIII Thou didst descend from on high, O Merciful One! / Thou didst accept the three-day burial to free us from our sufferings! / O Lord, our Life and Resurrection: glory to Thee!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Tone VIII For our sake Thou wast born of the Virgin / and did endure crucifixion, O Good One, / destroying death by death. / Revealing the resurrection as God, / do not despise the work of Thy hand. / Reveal Thy love for man, O merciful One, / and accept the Theotokos praying for us, / and save Thy despairing people, O Savior.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone VIII By rising from the tomb, Thou didst raise the dead and resurrect Adam. / Eve exults in Thy Resurrection, / and the world celebrates Thy rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!
 
The Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy Pre-eminent Apostle Peter, Troparion, Tone IV Without leaving Rome thou art come to us in the precious chains which thou didst bear, O first-enthroned of the apostles; and, bowing down before them with faith we pray: through thy supplications unto God grant us great mercy!
 
Kontakion, Tone II, "Seeking the highest" Christ the Rock most splendidly glorifieth the rock of faith, the first-enthroned of His disciples; for He summoneth all to celebrate the wonders of thy precious chains, O Peter, and granteth forgiveness of offenses.
 
And this Kontakion, Tone II, "The Theotokos who is ever-vigilant in prayer" Let us praise the great Peter, the chief and first among the apostles, the divine disciple of the Truth, and with faith let us kiss his chains, receiving release from our transgressions.
 
EPISTLE 1 TIMOTHY 4:9-15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 19:1-10  Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner." Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. 
 
EPISTLE ACTS 12:1-11 (APOSTLE) Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and tie on your sandals"; and so he did. And he said to him, "Put on your garment and follow me." So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."
 
GOSPEL JOHN 21:15-25 (APOSTLE)  So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me." Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. 
 
News released by the Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA 
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land The Patriarchal Parishes is organizing pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Details attached. Russian speaking group led by Fr. Andrey Kovalev will travel March 6-17 (2nd/3rd week of Lent) Russian Group Itinerary: Click here  English speaking group led by Fr. John Vass will travel April 24-May 6 (2nd/3rd week of Pascha). English Group Itinerary: Click here  To register for a pilgrimage and to receive important updates Click Here  
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
The Spaghetti Dinner is back! The spaghetti dinner will be held on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023 in the church hall following services.Cost: Adults: $15.00; Children ages 3-10: $10.00; Under 3: Free; Take out will be available if you cannot stay for the festivities.Donations to offset the cost and/or donations of beverages and desserts are greatly appreciated. BYOB Contact: Diane Patrick.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2023 January 
  • Sunday January 29th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Annual Parish Meeting
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
2023 Pre Lent, Great Lent, and Pascha Dates
Sunday of Publican and Pharisee Sunday February 5th
Sunday of Prodigal Son Sunday February 12th   
Sunday of Last Judgement / Meatfare Sunday February 19th 
Sunday of Forgiveness / Cheesefare Sunday February 26th
Great Lent Begins Monday February 27th
Feast of Entry of Our Lord Jesus Christ Into Jerusalem / Palm Sunday April 9th
Holy Week Monday April 10th - 15th
Pascha Sunday April 16th, 2023
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  • Sunday of Zacchaeus The paschal season of the Church is preceded by the season of Great Lent, which is also preceded by its own liturgical preparation. The first sign of the approach of Great Lent comes five Sundays before its beginning. On this Sunday the Gospel reading is about Zacchaeus the tax-collector. It tells how Christ brought salvation to the sinful man, and how his life was changed simply because he “sought to see who Jesus was” (Luke 19:3). The desire and effort to see Jesus begins the entire movement through Lent towards Pascha. It is the first movement of salvation.(read more by clicking link) 
  • Blessed Maximus the Fool for Christ of Tot'ma Commemorated January 16 / January 29 Blessed Maximus Makar'ev was a priest in the city of Tot'ma (Vologda Diocese) during the first half of the XVII century, and his father was a priest. Saint Maximus was also ordained to the priesthood, and for 45 years he voluntarily undertook the difficult spiritual exploit of foolishness for Christ's sake, spending his time in unceasing prayer, fasting, and nakedness, completely neglecting to take (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great Commemorated January 17 / January 30 Saint Anthony the Great is known as the Father of monasticism, and the long ascetical sermon in The Life of Saint Anthony by Saint Athanasius (Sections 16-34), could be called the first monastic Rule. He was born in Egypt in the village of Coma, near the desert of the Thebaid, in (read more by clicking link) 
  • Saint Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria Commemorated January 18 / January 31 Saints Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. Saint Athanasius took part in the First Ecumenical Council when he was still (read more by clicking link) 
  • Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria Commemorated January 18 / January 31 Saints Athanasius and Cyril were Archbishops of Alexandria. These wise teachers of truth and defenders of Christ’s Church share a joint Feast in recognition of their dogmatic writings which affirm the truth of the Orthodox Faith, correctly interpret the Holy Scripture, and censure the delusions of the heretics. St Cyril was the nephew of Patriarch Theophilus of (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt Commemorated January 19 / February 01 Saint Macarius the Great of Egypt was born in the early fourth century in the village of Ptinapor in Egypt. At the wish of his parents he entered into marriage, but was soon widowed. After he buried his wife, Macarius told himself, “Take heed, Macarius, and have care for your soul. It is fitting that you forsake worldly life.” The Lord rewarded the saint with a long life, but from (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable Euthymius the Great Commemorated January 20 / February 02 Saint Euthymius the Great came from the city of Melitene in Armenia, near the River Euphrates. His parents, Paul and Dionysia, were pious Christians of noble birth. After many years of marriage they remained childless, and in their sorrow they entreated God to give them offspring. Finally, they had a vision and heard a voice saying, “Be of good cheer! God will grant you a son, who will bring joy to the churches.” The child was named Euthymius (“good cheer”). Saint Euthymius’ father died soon after this, and his (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable Maximus the Confessor Commemorated January 21 / February 03 Saint Maximus the Confessor was born in Constantinople around 580 and raised in a pious Christian family. He received an excellent education, studying philosophy, grammar, and rhetoric. He was well-read in the authors of antiquity and he also mastered philosophy and theology. When Saint Maximus entered into government service, he became first secretary (asekretis) and chief counselor to the emperor Heraclius (611-641), who was (read more by clicking link) 
  • New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia Commemorated January 22 / February 04 On the Sunday closest to January 25, the Church commemorates the Synaxis of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, remembering all those Orthodox Christians who suffered for Christ at the hands of the godless Soviets during the years of persecution. These include the royal Passion Bearers Tsar Nicholas II and his family, and the Grand Duchess Elizabeth. Countless thousands of martyrs, both clergy and laity also suffered, some of  (read more by clicking link) 
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2023 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
Annual Meeting, Sunday January 29, 2023 
 
2023 Church Calendars and 2023 Envelopes – 2023 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the Winter Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! for joining us in celebration of the Great Feast of Theophany, on Thursday, January 19th. Divine Liturgy and Great Blessing of Waters was served, followed by a simple meal. Holy Water is available in the church nave.
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
January 22, 2023

Sunday Bulletin - January 22, 2023
THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
SUNDAY AFTER THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD AND GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
Commemorated January 9 / January 22 Saint Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow, in the world Theodore, was descended from the illustrious noble lineage of the Kolichevi, occupying a prominent place in the Boyar duma at the court of the Moscow sovereigns.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Donna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), 
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei (Yukhnavets/Seasholtz), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine and Elias (R. Guglielmi), Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, January 22nd Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Peter, Anna, Nicholas, Alaric, Natalia, Alexei by Seasholtz Family
 
For the Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +John (Evanina) on his passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Julianna (Sokoluk) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Rose Marie (Staso) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Samuel (Sokoluk Sr) on his birthday by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
+Valentina (Kunasz) on her birthday by Sokoluk Family 
+Mary (DeMeo) on anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Marya and +Trofim, +Ludmilla by Natalia Seasholtz
+Olga and +John (Candelori) by Justine
+Gabriel (Kowal) by Mr. Dennis Starr
 
3rd Sunday Monthly Panikhida/Parastas offered today for the souls +newly departed & departed servants of God, offered by Justine Paul & Family; Justine & Greg; Stephen Nasobko; Sokoluk Family; Staso Family; Peleszak Family; Natalia Seasholtz; Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat!
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of +Julianna (Sokouk) and +Rose (Staso) on their first anniversary of their passing into eternal life and +Samuel (Sokoluk, Sr) and +Valentina (Kunasz) on their birthday by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone VII By Thy Cross, Thou didst destroy death! / To the thief, Thou didst open Paradise! / For the myrrhbearers, Thou didst change weeping into joy! / And Thou didst command Thy disciples, O Christ God, / to proclaim that Thou art risen, / granting the world great mercy!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Tone VII Since you are the treasure of our resurrection, / we put our hope in you, O all-praised one. / Lead us from the abyss of transgressions, / for you have saved those guilty of sin, / O evervirgin Mother of our salvation.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone VII The dominion of death / can no longer hold men captive, / for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers! / Hell is bound, while the prophets rejoice and cry: /”The Savior has come to those in faith! / Enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!
 
Holy Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene in Armenia, Troparion, In his suffering, O Lord,/ Thy martyr Polyeuctus received an imperishable crown from Thee our God;/ for, possessed of Thy might,/ he set at nought the tormentors and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons.// By his supplications save Thou our souls.
 
Kontakion of the Martyr, Tone I, "Thou hast appeared today" When the Savior bowed His head in the Jordan, the head of the serpent was crushed; and the decapitated head of Polyeuctus hath put the deceiver to shame.
 
EPISTLE HEBREWS 13:17-21 (HIEROMARTYR PHILIP) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
 
GOSPEL  JOHN 10:9-16 (HIEROMARTYR PHILIP) I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
 
EPISTLE EPHESIANS 4:7-13 (SUNDAY AFTER BAPTISM OF OUR LORD AND GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST) But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore He says:"When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." (Now this, "He ascended"-what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 4:12-17 (SUNDAY AFTER BAPTISM OF OUR LORD AND GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST) Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."  From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
 
News released by the Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA 
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land The Patriarchal Parishes is organizing pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Details attached. Russian speaking group led by Fr. Andrey Kovalev will travel March 6-17 (2nd/3rd week of Lent) Russian Group Itinerary: Click here  English speaking group led by Fr. John Vass will travel April 24-May 6 (2nd/3rd week of Pascha). English Group Itinerary: Click here  To register for a pilgrimage and to receive important updates Click Here  
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
The Spaghetti Dinner is back! The spaghetti dinner will be held on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023 in the church hall following services.Cost: Adults: $15.00; Children ages 3-10: $10.00; Under 3: Free; Take out will be available if you cannot stay for the festivities.Donations to offset the cost and/or donations of beverages and desserts are greatly appreciated. BYOB Contact: Diane Patrick.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2023 January 
  • Sunday January 22nd Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Panikhida/Parastas after
  • Sunday January 29th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Annual Parish Meeting
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  • Martyr Polyeuktos of Melitēnḗ in Armenia Commemorated January 09 / January 22 Saint Polyeuktos was the first to be martyred for Christ in the Armenian city of Melitēnḗ. He was a soldier during the reign of Emperor Decius (249-251), and he later suffered martyrdom in the reign of Valerian (253-259). He was a friend of Néarkhos (Νέαρχος) a fellow-soldier and a firm Christian. Polyeuktos, however, although he led a virtuous life, remained a pagan. When the persecution against Christians began, Néarkhos said to Polyeuktos, “Friend, soon we (read more by clicking link) 
  • Saint Theophan the Recluse, Bishop of Tambov Commemorated January 10 / January 23 George Govorov, the future Saint Theophan, was born on January 10, 1815 in the village of Chernavsk in the Orlov province where his father was a priest. At first, George attended a primary school at Liven, then a military school. From 1837-1841 he studied at the Kiev Theological Academy, and probably visited the Monastery of the Caves several times. In these surroundings, it was not (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable Theodosius the Great, the Cenobiarch Commemorated January 11 / January 24 Saint Theodosius the Great lived during the fifth-sixth centuries, and was the founder of cenobitic monasticism. He was born in Cappadocia of pious parents. Endowed with a splendid voice, he zealously toiled at church reading and singing. Saint Theodosius prayed fervently that the Lord would guide him on the way to salvation. In his early years he visited the (read more by clicking link) 
  • Saint Savva I, first Archbishop of Serbia Commemorated January 12 / January 25 Saint Savva, First Archbishop of Serbia, in the world Rostislav (Rastko), was a son of the Serbian king Stephen Nemanya and Anna, daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Romanus. From his early years he fervently attended church services and had a special love for icons. At seventeen years of age, Rostislav met a monk from Mount Athos, secretly left his father’s house and set off for the Saint Panteleimon monastery. (By divine Providence in 1169, the year of the saint’s birth, the ancient  (read more by clicking link) 
  • Martyr Tatiana of Rome, and those who suffered with her Commemorated January 12 / January 25 The Holy Virgin Martyr Tatiana was born into an illustrious Roman family, and her father was elected consul three times. He was secretly a Christian and raised his daughter to be devoted to God and the Church. When she reached the age of maturity, Tatiana decided to remain a virgin, betrothing herself to Christ. Disdaining earthly riches, she sought instead the imperishable wealth of Heaven. She was made a (read more by clicking link) 
  • Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus of Belgrade Commemorated January 13 / January 26 The Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus, Slavs by origin, lived at the beginning of the fourth century during a persecution against Christians by the emperor Licinius (311-324). Saint Hermylus served as deacon in the city of Singidunum (Belgrade). Condemned by Licinius to imprisonment, he was long and cruelly tortured for Christ, but he remained unyielding. Hermylus mocked the pagan gods, calling them deaf, dumb, and blind idols. In anger Licinius ordered more severe  (read more by clicking link) 
  • Saint Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles, Enlightener of Georgia Commemorated January 14 / January 27 The virgin Nino of Cappadocia was a relative of Great-martyr George and the only daughter of a widely respected and honorable couple. Her father was a Roman army chief by the name of Zabulon, and her mother, Sosana, was the sister of Patriarch Juvenal of Jerusalem. When Nino reached the age of twelve, her parents sold all their possessions and moved to Jerusalem. Soon after, Nino’s father was tonsured a monk. He bid farewell to his family and went to labor in the wilderness of (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable Paul of Thebes Commemorated January 15 / January 28 Saint Paul of Thebes was born in Egypt around 227 in the Thebaid of Egypt. Left orphaned, he suffered many things from a greedy relative over his inheritance. During the persecution against Christians under the emperor Decius (249-251), Saint Paul learned of his brother-in-law’s insidious plan to deliver him into the hands of the persecutors, and so he fled the city and fled into the (read more by clicking link) 
  • Venerable John Calabytes “the Hut-Dweller” Commemorated January 15 / January 28 Saint John the Hut-Dweller was the son of rich and illustrious parents, and was born in Constantinople in the early fifth century. He received a fine education, and he mastered rhetoric and philosophy by the age of twelve. He also loved to read spiritual books. Perceiving the vanity of worldly life, he chose the path that was narrow and extremely difficult. Filled with longing to enter a  (read more by clicking link) 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2023
  • January 22nd 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2023 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
Annual Meeting, Sunday January 29, 2023 
 
2023 Church Calendars and 2023 Envelopes – 2023 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Holiday Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! for joining us in celebration of the Great Feast of Theophany, on Thursday, January 19th. Divine Liturgy and Great Blessing of Waters was served, followed by a simple meal. Holy Water is available in the church nave.
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
January 15, 2023

Sunday Bulletin - January 15, 2023
THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
SUNDAY BEFORE THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
Commemorated January 2 / January 15 Saint Seraphim of Sarov, a great ascetic of the Russian Church, was born on July 19, 1754. His parents, Isidore and Agathia Moshnin, were inhabitants of Kursk. Isidore was a merchant. Toward the end of his life, he began construction of a cathedral in Kursk, but he died before the completion of the work. His little son Prochorus,the future Seraphim, remained in the care of his widowed mother, who raised her son in piety.
 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, January 15th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Kenneth (Koscinski) on his birthday by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
 
For Memory of Departed servants: 
+Julianna (Sokoluk) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Kunasz and Williams Family 
+Rose Marie (Staso) on first anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Kunasz and Williams Family
+Samuel (Sokoluk Sr) on his birthday by Kunasz and Williams Family
+Valentina (Kunasz) on her birthday by Kunasz and Williams Family 
+Mary (Demeo) on anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Mr. Dennis Starr
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in honor of the Great Feast of Nativity of Christ. Christ Is Born! Indeed, He is Born! Glorify Him!
 
Sviatki (fast free period) now until January 18th 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone VI The angelic powers were at Thy tomb; / the guards became as dead men. / Mary stood by Thy grave, / seeking Thy most pure Body. / Thou didst capture hell, / not being tempted by it. / Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life. / O Lord, Who didst rise from the dead: glory to Thee!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Thou Who didst call Thy mother blessed / came of Thine own will to the passion. / Shining on the cross, desiring to recall Adam, Thou didst say to the angels: / "Rejoice with Me, for the lost coin has been found." / Thou Who hast ordered all things in wisdom, / O our God, glory to Thee! (1x) Blessed be the name of the Lord, henceforth and forever more.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone VI When Christ God, the Giver of Life, / raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand, / He bestowed resurrection on the human race. / He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.
 
St. Sylvester, Pope of Rome, Troparion The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith,/ a model of meekness and a teacher of abstinence/ wherefore thou hast attained the heights through humility/ and riches through poverty.// O hierarch Sylvester our father, entreat Christ God that our souls be saved.
 
Forefeast of the Theophany, Troparion Make ready, O Zebulon!/ Adorn thyself, O Nephthali!/ O River Jordan, leaping up,/ receive thou the Master Who cometh to be Baptized!/ Rejoice, O Adam, with our first mother!/ Hide not yourselves as ye did before in paradise;/ for He that beheld you naked hath appeared,/ that He may clothe you in your primal raiment.// Christ hath appeared, desiring to make all creation new!
 
Kontakion of the hierarch As a conversor with the ascetics, thou becamest a priest among the priests of God the King; wherefore, thou rejoicest now with the angelic choirs. O father Sylvester, thou God-bearing shepherd, dwelling in the heavens, save those who with love celebrate thy memory.
 
Kontakion of the Forefeast In the streams of the Jordan the Lord crieth out to John today:/ Fear not to baptize Me,// for I have come to save Adam the first-created!
 
EPISTLE 2 TIMOTHY 4:5-8 (SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY) But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
 
GOSPEL MARK 1:1-8 (SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets:"Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You."  The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.' "  John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
 
EPISTLE GALATIANS 5:22-6:2 (VENERABLE) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 6:17-23 (VENERABLE)  And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
News released by the Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA 
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land The Patriarchal Parishes is organizing pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Details attached. Russian speaking group led by Fr. Andrey Kovalev will travel March 6-17 (2nd/3rd week of Lent) Russian Group Itinerary: Click here  English speaking group led by Fr. John Vass will travel April 24-May 6 (2nd/3rd week of Pascha). English Group Itinerary: Click here  To register for a pilgrimage and to receive important updates Click Here  
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2023 January 
  • Sviatki (Fast free) now until January 18th 
  • Sunday January 15th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, 
  • Wednesday January 18th Theophany Vespers 6:30pm, Strict Fast
  • Thursday January 19th Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Great Blessing of Water
  • Sunday January 22nd Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Panikhida/Parastas after
  • Sunday January 29th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Annual Parish Meeting
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  • Saint Sylvester, Pope of Rome Commemorated January 02 / January 15 Saint Sylvester, Bishop of Rome (314-335) was born at Rome of Christian parents named Rufinus and Justa. His father soon died, and the saint remained in the care of his mother. Sylvester’s teacher, the presbyter Quirinus, gave him a fine education and raised him as a true Christian. When he was an adult, Sylvester fulfilled the Lord’s command to love one’s neighbor. He often received strangers and  (read more by clicking link)
  • Holy Prophet Malachi Commemorated January 03 / January 16 The Holy Prophet Malachi lived 400 years before the Birth of Christ, at the time of the return of the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity. Malachi was the last of the Old Testament prophets, therefore the holy Fathers call him “the seal of the prophets.” Manifesting himself an image of spiritual goodness and piety, he astounded the nation and was  (read more by clicking link)
  • Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles Commemorated January 04 / January 17 The Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles was established by the Orthodox Church to indicate the equal honor of each of the Seventy. They were sent two by two by the Lord Jesus Christ to go before Him into the cities He would visit (Luke 10:1). Besides the celebration of the Synaxis of the Holy Disciples, the Church celebrates the memory of each of them (read more by clicking link)
  • Hieromartyr Theopemptus, Bishop of Nicomedia, and Martyr Theonas Commemorated January 05 / January 18 The Holy Martyrs Theopemptus and Theonas suffered in Nicomedia in the year 303. Saint Theopemptus was bishop in Nicomedia in the time of Diocletian. Speaking out against idolatry, he defended the faith in Christ. Because of this, he became one of the first victims of the Diocletian persecution. The saint refused to obey the emperor’s order to worship an idol of Apollo. Saint Theopemptus was thrown into a red-hot furnace, but by the power of God he remained  (read more by clicking link)
  • Hieromartyr Romanus, Monk of Lacedemonia, Beheaded by the Turks (1695) Commemorated January 06 / January 19 Hieromartyr Roman, born in Lacedaemon, suffered for his confession of Christ and the Turks beheaded him for this in the year 1695. 
  • Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John Commemorated January 07 / January 20 In the Orthodox Church it is customary, on the day following the Great Feasts of the Lord and the Mother of God, to remember those saints who participated directly in the sacred event. So, on the day following the Theophany of the Lord, the Church honors the one who participated directly in the Baptism of Christ, placing his own hand upon the head of the Savior. Saint John, the holy Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, whom the Lord called the greatest of the prophets, concludes the history of the Old Testament and opens the era of the New Testament. The holy Prophet John bore witness to the Only-Begotten Son of God, incarnate in the flesh. Saint John was accounted worthy to baptize (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable George the Chozebite, Abbot Commemorated January 08 / January 21 Saint George the Chozebite was born on the island of Cyprus toward the end of the sixth century. After the death of his parents, he went to Palestine to worship at the holy places. Here he entered into the monastic community of Chozeba between  (read more by clicking link)
  • Saint Emilian the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus Commemorated January 08 / January 21Saint Emilian was a zealous defender of the holy icons during the reign of   (read more by clicking link) Sunday
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2023
  • January 22nd 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2023 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2023 Church Calendars and 2023 Envelopes – 2023 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Holiday Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
January 8, 2023

Sunday Bulletin - January 08, 2023
THIRTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
SUNDAY AFTER THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
Synaxis of The Most Holy Theotokos
The Sobor-Assemblage of the Most Holy Mother of God: On the day after the Nativity of Christ is celebrated the Sobor-Assemblage of the Most Holy Mother of God, commemorating together with Her also Saint Joseph the Betrothed, King David (an ancestor by flesh of the Lord Jesus Christ), and Saint James the Brother of the Lord, a son of the first marriage of Saint Joseph the Betrothed. Saint James accompanied his father Joseph and the Mother of God and the Divine-Infant Jesus on the Flight into Egypt.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, January 8th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Kenneth (Koscinski) on his birthday by Alexei, Lucia and Amelia
 
For Memory of Departed servants: 
+Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Staso Family 
+Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Staso Family
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in honor of the Great Feast of Nativity of Christ. Christ Is Born! Indeed, He is Born! Glorify Him!
 
Sviatki (fast free period) now until January 18th 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone V Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, / Co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, / born for our salvation from the Virgin, / for He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, / to endure death / and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Rejoice, O impassable gate of the Lord! / Rejoice, O wall and protection of those who run to you! / Rejoice, O unshakable refuge! / Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of your God and Creator! / Do not cease praying for those who praise you and worship your Son. (1x) Blessed be the name of the Lord, henceforth and forever more.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Thou didst descend into hell, O my Savior, / shattering its gates as almighty; / resurrecting the dead as Creator, / and destroying the sting of death. / Thou hast delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Man, / and we all cry to Thee: "O Lord, save us!"
 
Troparion of Righteous David, Joseph and James. Proclaim the wonder, O Joseph, / to David, the ancestor of God: / you saw a Virgin great with Child, / you gave glory with the shepherds, / you worshipped with the Magi, / you received the news from the angel. / Pray to Christ God to save our souls!
 
Kontakion of Righteous David, Joseph and James. Today godly David is filled with joy; / Joseph and James offer praise. / The glorious crown of their kinship with Christ fills them with great joy. / They sing praises to the One ineffably born on earth, / and they cry out: "O Compassionate One, save those who honor You!"
 
Synaxis of the All-Holy Theotokos; Troparion of Nativity, Thy nativity, O Christ our God,/ hath shone forth the light of knowledge upon the world;/ for therein those who worship the stars/ have been taught by a star to worship Thee,/ the Sun of righteousness,/ and to know Thee the Orient from on high.// O Lord, glory be to Thee!
 
Kontakion of the Synaxis, He Who was born of the Father without mother before the morning star/ hath today become incarnate of thee on earth without father;/ wherefore, the star announceth glad tidings to the magi,// and the angels and shepherds hymn thine ineffable birthgiving, O thou who art full of grace.
 
EPISTLE COLOSSIANS 3:12-16  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 18:35 - 43  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight." Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. 
 
EPISTLE (SUNDAY AFTER) GALATIANS 1:11-19  But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. 
 
GOSPEL (SUNDAY AFTER) MATTHEW 2:13-23 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him." When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son." Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more." Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child's life are dead." Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene."
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
News released by the Patriarchal Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA 
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land The Patriarchal Parishes is organizing pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Details attached. Russian speaking group led by Fr. Andrey Kovalev will travel March 6-17 (2nd/3rd week of Lent) Russian Group Itinerary: Click here  English speaking group led by Fr. John Vass will travel April 24-May 6 (2nd/3rd week of Pascha). English Group Itinerary: Click here  To register for a pilgrimage and to receive important updates Click Here  
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2023 January 
  • Sviatki (Fast free) now until January 18th 
  • Sunday January 8th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Saturday January 14th Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday January 15th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Panikhida/Parastas after
  • Wednesday January 18th Theophany Vespers 6:30pm
  • Thursday January 19th Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Great Blessing of Water
  • Sunday January 22nd Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday January 29th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  • Commemoration of the Holy Righteous David the King, Joseph the Betrothed, and James the Brother of the Lord Commemorated December 26 / January 08 The Holy Prophet-King David, Saint Joseph the Betrothed, and Saint James the Brother of the Lord are commemorated on the Sunday after the Nativity. If there is no Sunday between December 25 and January 1, their commemoration is moved to December 26. At an early date, some churches in the East began to commemorate certain (read more by clicking link)
  • Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen Commemorated December 27 / January 09 The Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen was the eldest of the seven deacons, appointed by the Apostles themselves, and therefore he is called “archdeacon.” He was the first Christian martyr, and he suffered for Christ when he was about thirty. In the words of Asterias, he was “the starting point of the martyrs, the instructor of suffering for  (read more by clicking link)
  • 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia Commemorated December 28 / January 10 The Holy 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia: At the beginning of the fourth century the emperor Maximian (284-305) gave orders to destroy Christian churches, to burn service books, and to deprive all Christians of rights and privileges of citizenship. At this time the bishop of the city of Nicomedia was Saint Cyril, who by his preaching and life contributed to the spread of Christianity, so that many members of the emperor’s court were also secret Christians. The pagan priestess Domna was living in the palace at that time. Providentially, she  (read more by clicking link)
  • 14,000 Infants (the Holy Innocents) slain by Herod at Bethlehem Commemorated December 29 / January 11 14,000 Holy Infants were killed by King Herod in Bethlehem. When the time came for the Incarnation of the Son of God and His Birth of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Magi in the East beheld a new star in the heavens, foretelling the Nativity of the King of the Jews. They journeyed immediately to Jerusalem to worship the Child, and the star showed them the way. Having worshipped the divine Infant, they did not return to Jerusalem to Herod, as he had ordered them, but being warned by God in a dream, they went back to their country by  (read more by clicking link)
  • Saint Macarius, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia Commemorated December 30 / January 12 He was born in Moscow in 1492. When his father died, his mother became a nun and he a monk, receiving the monastic name Macarius. He became an iconographer of rare talent. In 1523 he was ordained to the priesthood and made Abbot of the Monastery of Luchski; three years later he was consecrated Archbishop of Novgorod and Pskov, a see which had been vacant for many years. As Archbishop, he sent missionaries to the native peoples of the far north of Russia and, within his own diocese strove against the paganism still common among the people. He regularized life in the monasteries of his diocese, which had fallen into self-indulgence. In 1542 he was elected Metropolitan of Moscow and head of the Russian Church. Five years later he crowned the first Tsar of Russia, Ivan Vassilievich. In 1551 he summoned the Council of the Hundred Chapters, which condemned various heresies prevalent at that time, laid down principles of Christian conduct and education, and established rules for iconography and Church art. Throughout his time as a hierarch, he continued to paint icons, and in 1553 he brought about the production of the first books to be printed in Russian. When the Khanate of Kazan fell, he immediately sent missionaries to convert the Tatars.
  • Apodosis of the Nativity of Christ. Commemorated December 31 / January 13
  • Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome Commemorated December 31 / January 13 Saint Melania was born in Rome into a devout Christian family. Her parents, people of property and wealth, hoped that their daughter would marry and have children who would inherit their wealth. At fourteen years of age Melania was married to the illustrious youth (read more by clicking link)
  • The Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Commemorated January 01 / January 14 On the eighth day after His Nativity, our Lord Jesus Christ was circumcised in accordance with the Old Testament Law. All male infants underwent circumcision as a sign of God’s Covenant with the holy Forefather Abraham and his descendants [Genesis 17:10-14, Leviticus 12:3]. After this ritual, the Divine Infant was given the name (read more by clicking link)
  • Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia Commemorated January 01 / January 14  Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, “belongs not to the Church of Caesarea alone, nor merely to his own time, nor was he of benefit only to his own kinsmen, but rather to all lands and cities worldwide, and to all people he brought and still brings benefit, and for Christians he always was and will be a most salvific teacher.” Thus spoke Saint Basil’s (read more by clicking link)
  • Repose of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov Commemorated January 02 / January 15 Saint Seraphim of Sarov, a great ascetic of the Russian Church, was born on July 19, 1754. His parents, Isidore and Agathia Moshnin, were inhabitants of Kursk. Isidore was a merchant. Toward the end of his life, he began construction of a cathedral in Kursk, but he died before the completion of the work. His little son Prochorus,the future Seraphim, remained in the care of his (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2023
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2023 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2023 Church Calendars and 2023 Envelopes – 2023 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Holiday Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
January 1, 2023

 
 
The Holy Fathers have instituted the Commemoration of the Genealogy of our Saviour Jesus Christ, in which we include not only His ancestors according to the flesh from Adam to Joseph the Betrothed of the Mother of God, but all the Righteous and the Prophets, who, by their words or deeds, announced the coming in the flesh of the Son of God." (Synaxarion)
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, January 1st Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
 
For Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in honor of servant of God, Lucia (Sokoluk) by Amelia and Alexei, Mnoghaya Lyeta! Many Years! 
 
Nativity (St. Philip's) Fast now through January 6th 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone IV When the women disciples of the Lord learned from the angel / the joyous message of Thy resurrection, / they cast away the ancestral curse / and elatedly told the Apostles: / Death is overthrown! / Christ God is risen, / granting the world great mercy!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Tone IV The mystery of all eternity, / unknown even by angels, / through you, O Theotokos, is revealed to those on earth: / God incarnate, by union without confusion. / He voluntarily accepted the cross for us, / by which He resurrected the first-created man, / saving our souls from death.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone IV My Savior and Redeemer as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earthborn from their chains. He has shattered the gates of hell, and as Master, He has risen on the third day!
 
Sunday Before the Nativity of the Savior, Troparion, Great are the accomplishments of faith,/ for the Three Youths rejoiced in the fountain of flames as though in the waters of rest;/ and the prophet Daniel appeared/ a shepherd to the lions as though they were sheep.// So by their prayers O Christ God save our souls
 
Kontakion, You did not worship the graven image,/ O thrice-blessed ones,/ but armed with the immaterial Essence of God,/ you were glorified glorified in a trial by fire./ From the midst of unbearable flames you called on God, crying:/ Hasten, O compassionate One!/ Speedily come to our aid,// for You are merciful and able to do as You will.
 
Holy Martyr Boniface No Troparion is given for this service in the Menaion.
 
Kontakion, Tone IV "Thou hast appeared" Of thine own will thou didst bring thyself as an unblemished sacred offering/ to Him Who was born of the Virgin for thy sake,// O all-wise Boniface, holy crown-bearer.
 
EPISTLE (SUNDAY BEFORE THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST) HEBREWS 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40  By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented-of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
 
GOSPEL (SUNDAY BEFORE THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST) MATTHEW 1:1-25 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham: Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa. Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor. Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud. Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
To all parishioners and friends, we are going to be putting out a Christmas card for January 7th this year as a fundraiser for the church! The cost is $15 per listing in the card. Please email either Deborah Barth or Genevieve Veres with what you would like listed. Please let us know by January 5th. Best, Genevieve Veres and Deborah Barth
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2023 January 
  • Nativity(St. Philip's)Fast now through Fri. January 6th (Strict Fast) Eve of Nativity
  • Sunday January 1st Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Friday January 6th The Eve of the Nativity of Christ (Rozhdestvenskyi Sochelnik) 6:30pm
  • Saturday January 7th The Nativity according to the Flesh of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday January 8th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  • Martyr Boniface at Tarsus in Cilicia, and Righteous Aglaϊa of Rome Commemorated December 19 / January 01 The Holy Martyr Boniface was the slave of a rich young Roman woman named Aglaϊa, and he lived with her in iniquitous cohabitation. Both, however, felt the sting of conscience and they wanted to be cleansed of their sin somehow. The Lord granted them the possibility to wash away their sin with their blood and to finish their life in repentance. Aglaϊa learned that whoever keeps relics of the Holy Martyrs in their home, and venerates (read more by clicking link)
  • Forefeast of the Nativity of our Lord Commemorated December 20 / January 02 The Forefeast of the Nativity of the Lord begins on December 20. From now on, most of the liturgical hymns will be concerned with the birth of the Savior. Many of the Church’s hymns of this period are slightly modified versions of the hymns of Holy Week. From December 20-23 we sing the Troparion (Tone 4) “Prepare, O Bethlehem, for  (read more by clicking link)
  • Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch Commemorated December 20 / January 02 The Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer, was a disciple of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, as was also Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna (February 23). Saint Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch, and successor to Bishop Euodius, Apostle of the Seventy (September 7). Tradition suggests that when Saint Ignatius was a little boy, the Savior hugged him and said: “Unless you turn and become (read more by clicking link)
  • Virgin Martyr Juliana of Nicomedia, and 500 men and 130 women with her Commemorated December 21 / January 03 The Holy Virgin Martyr Juliana, daughter of an illustrious pagan named Africanus, was born in the city of Nicomedia. As a child, she was betrothed to a certain Elusius, one of the emperor’s advisors. Saint Juliana was endowed with a profound intellect and goodness of soul. She saw through the delusion and deception of the pagan faith, and secretly accepted holy Baptism. When the time of her wedding approached, Juliana refused (read more by clicking link)
  • Repose of Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, Wonderworker of All Russia Commemorated December 21 / January 03 Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, was born in Volhynia of pious parents, Theodore and Eupraxia. Even before the birth of her son, the Lord revealed to Eupraxia the preordained blessedness of her son. At the age of twelve, young Peter entered a monastery. He successfully studied the (read more by clicking link)
  • Great Martyr Anastasía the Deliverer from Poisons, her teacher, Martyr Chrysógonos, and many with them Commemorated December 22 / January 04 The Great Martyr Anastasía the Deliverer from Poisons, was a Roman by birth, who suffered for Christ during Diocletian’s persecution of Christians, circa 304. Her father was a pagan, and her mother Fausta was a secret Christian. As a child, Anastasia’s teacher was an educated and pious Christian named Chrysógonos. After the death of her mother, Anastasía's father gave her in marriage to a pagan named  (read more by clicking link)
  • 10 Holy Martyrs of Crete Commemorated December 23 / January 05 The Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompius, Agathopus, Basilides and Evaristus suffered for Christ during the third century under the emperor Decius (249-251). The governor of Crete, also named Decius, fiercely persecuted the Church, and arrested anyone who believed in Christ. Once, ten Christians were brought before him from various cities of Crete, who at the trial  (read more by clicking link)
  • Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome Commemorated December 24 / January 06 The Holy Martyr Eugenia, was a Roman by birth. She lived at Alexandria, where her father Philip was sent by the emperor Commodus (180-192) to be Prefect of Egypt. Eugenia received a fine upbringing and was noted for her beauty and good disposition. Many illustrious youths sought her hand, but she did not wish to   (read more by clicking link)
  • The Adoration of the Magi: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar Commemorated December 25 / January 07  The Nativity of Christ was revealed to the Magi by a wondrous star. Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Theophylactus, commenting on Saint Matthew’s Gospel, say that this was no ordinary star. Rather, it was “a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star.” Saint Demetrius of Rostov says it was a (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2023
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2023 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2023 Church Calendars and 2023 Envelopes – 2023 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Holiday Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2023, in memory of their departed loved ones.
December 25, 2022

Sunday Bulletin - December 25, 2022
TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
 Commemorated December 25 / December 12 Saint Spyridon of Tremithus was born towards the end of the third century on the island of Cyprus. He was a shepherd, and had a wife and children. He used all his substance for the needs of his neighbors and the homeless, for which the Lord rewarded him with a gift of wonderworking. He healed those who were incurably sick, and cast out demons.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, December 25th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Lucia  (Sokoluk) on name day by Alexei and Amelia
 
For Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Olga and +John (Candelori) on passing into eternal life by Justine
+Frank (Krewda) on his passing into eternal life by Marlene Blaskevitch
+Maria (Kowal) on anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Mr. Dennis Starr
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in honor of servant of God, Lucia (Sokoluk) by Amelia and Alexei, Mnoghaya Lyeta! Many Years! 
 
Nativity (St. Philip's) Fast now through January 6th 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone III Let the heavens rejoice, / let the earth be glad! / For the Lord has shown might with His arm,/ He has trampled down death by death. / He has become the first-born of the dead. / He has delivered us from the depths of hell, / and has granted the world great mercy!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, We praise you as the mediatrix of our salvation, / O Virgin Theotokos. / For your Son, our God, Who took flesh from you, / accepted the passion of the cross, / delivering us from corruption as the Lover of man.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, On this day Thou didst rise from the tomb, O Merciful One, / leading us from the gates of death. / On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; / with the prophets and patriarchs they unceasingly praise / the divine majesty of Thy power!
 
Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, Troparion, Tone II Through faith Thou hast justified the Forefathers,/ betrothing through them the Church of the gentiles./ These saints exult in glory/ for from their seed came forth a glorious fruit:/ She who bore Thee without seed.// So by their prayers, O Christ God, have mercy upon us.
 
Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, Kontakion, You did not worship the graven image/ O thrice-blessed ones,/ but armed with the immaterial Essence of God,/ you were glorified in a trial by fire./ From the midst of the unbearable flames you called upon God crying:/ Hasten O Compassionate One!/ Speedily come to our aid,// for Thou art merciful and able to do as Thou willest.
 
St. Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bp. of Tremithus, Troparion, The very truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, a model of meekness and teacher of abstinence. Wherefore, thou didst attain the heights through humility, and riches through poverty. O father Spyridon, entreat Christ God that our souls be saved!
 
Or this Troparion, Thou wast shown forth as a champion of the first Council/ and a wonderwork­er, O Spiridon, our God-bearing father./ Wherefore, thou didst speak to one dead in the grave,/ and didst change a serpent into gold./ And, whilst chanting thy holy prayers, thou didst have angels serving with thee, O most sacred one./ Glory to Him that hath given thee strength!/ Glory to Him that hath crowned thee!// Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee!
 
St. Herman, Wonderworker of Alaska, Troparion, O venerable Herman, ascetic of the northern wilderness/ and gracious advocate for all the world,/ teacher of the Orthodox Faith and good, instructor of piety,/ adornment of Alaska and joy of all America;// Entreat Christ God, that He save our souls.
 
Kontakion for St. Spyridon, Wounded with love for Christ,/ and giving wings to thy mind through the radi­ance of the Spirit, O most sacred one,/ thou didst find thy work in thine active divine vision,/ O thou that art pleasing unto God,/ being a divine oblation,// and asking divine illumination for all.
 
Kontakion for St. Herman, O beloved of the Mother of God, who received the tonsure at Valaam,/ new zealot of the struggles of the desert-dwellers of old:/ wielding prayer as a spear and shield, thou didst show thyself to be terrible to demons and pagan darkness.// Wherefore, we cry out to thee: O venerable Herman, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved!
 
EPISTLE COLOSSIANS 3:4-11 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 14:16-24 Then He said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.' And the servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.' Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 'For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.' "
 
EPISTLE HEWBREWS 13:17-21 (ST. SPYRIDON) Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 
 
GOSPEL LUKE 6:17-23 (ST. SPYRIDON) And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
 
 
News released by The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
 "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Eastern States Deanery Clergy convene in Little Falls On December 17, the feast day of Great Martyr Barbara, a conciliar Divine Liturgy was held with the clergy of the Eastern States Deanery in St. John the Baptist Church in Little Falls, NJ The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.
Fr. Igor was co-served by: Dean of the Eastern States Priest Yulian Ryabtsev, parish rector Priest Aleksey Paranyuk, Archpriest Igor Tarasov (Rector of St. George Church in Bayside, NY), Archpriest Mikhail Kapchits (rector of St. Nicholas Church in Bayonne, NJ), Priest Stephen Kaznica (rector of Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral in Passaic, NJ), Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Priest Mark Rashkov, Priest Andrew Massey (rector of Elevation of the Holy Cross Church in Hacketstown, NJ), Priest Dimitry Sukhorukov (cleric of St. Nicholas Church) Priest Artemy Kulikovsky (rector of All Saints of Russia Church in Pine Bush, NY) and Deacon Nikolai Arabidze (cleric of St. Nicholas Church). Also praying at the Divine Liturgy was rector emeritus of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Elizabeth, NJ, Archpriest Emil Minkovich.
Following Divine Liturgy, Fr. Igor greeted the assembled rectors and clerics of the parishes of the Eastern Deanery, as well as the parishioners and guests of the church. After a joint meal, an official meeting of the deanery was held, at which the current problems of the parishes included in it were discussed. In the afternoon, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov and the clergy who accompanied him visited Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral in Passaic, where they met with the rector Fr. Stephen who gave a tour of the cathedral and spoke about the history of the parish. "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Priest Eugene Solodky reposed in the Lord On Monday, December 19, the feast of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas the Wonderworker, Priest Eugene Solodsky reposed in the Lord after a length illness. He was 85 years old. Fr. Eugene was ordained on March 19, 1967 by Metropolitan (future Patriarch) Pimen of Krutitsy & Kolomna in Moscow’s Holy Theophany Yelokhovo Cathedral. According to his brother priests, he was a pious man of prayer, zealous of the divine services, and tried to serve as often as possible.
After his arrival in New Jersey, he served as acting rector of the neighboring Holy Trinity and St. Nicholas Churches in Vineland and Millville, respectively. He later transferred to the jurisdiction of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, attached to St. Andrew Naval Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA.
Fr. Eugene was predeceased by his Matushka Anna on May 26, 2017. They are survived by their daughter, Vera, who conducts the choir at Holy Trinity Church. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 21, in the above-named church. The burial will take place at nearby Holy Protection "Novaya Kuban" Cemetery in Buena. Memory Eternal to the newly reposed Priest Eugene!  "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2022 December/January 
  • Nativity(St. Philip's)Fast now through Fri. January 6th (Strict Fast) Eve of Nativity
  • Sunday December 25th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday January 1st Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  • Venerable Therapon, Abbot of Monza Commemorated December 12 / December 25 Saint Therapon of Monza was a monk in the monastery of Saint Adrian (May 5) at the River Monza. The monk began his ascetic deeds in Moscow, and then transferred to the city of Kostroma at the Elevation of the Cross monastery, and was tonsured there. The pious monks Adrian and Paphnutius, from the monastery of Saint Paul of Obnora (January 10), seeking solitude, moved to the Monza and founded a monastery 25 (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes, at Sebaste Commemorated December 13 / December 26 The Holy Martyrs Eustratios (Eustrátios), Auxentios (Auxéntios), Eugene, Mardarios (Mardários), and Orestes (the Five Companions) suffered for Christ at Sebaste in Armenia during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305).  Among the first Christians imprisoned and undergoing torture at that time was the presbyterian Saint Auxentios of Syria. One of those who  (read more by clicking link)
  • Virgin Martyr Lucy of Syracuse Commemorated December 13 / December 26 Saint Lucy was born in Syracuse, Sicily during the reign of Diocletian. She distributed her wealth to the poor, and made a vow of virginity. Since she refused to marry him, a rejected suitor denounced her to the prefect Paschasius as a Christian, and she was arrested. She was sentenced to be defiled in a brothel, but with God’s help she preserved her purity. Then the pagans attempted to burn her alive, but she was not harmed by the fire. Finally, she was  (read more by clicking link)
  • Repose of Venerable Herman of Alaska, Wonderworker of All America Commemorated December 13 / December 26 A spiritual mission was organized in 1793 with volunteers from the monks of the Valaam Monastery. They were sent to preach the Word of God to the native inhabitants of northwestern America, who had come under the sovereignty of Russia only ten years before. Saint Herman was one of the members of this mission. Saint Herman came from a family of merchants of Serpukhov, a city of the Moscow diocese. His name before he was tonsured, and his family name are not known. There is a possibility, however, that his baptismal name was Gerasimus. He had a great zeal for piety from (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios, and Kallinikos Commemorated December 14 / December 27 The Holy Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios, and Kallinikos, suffered for Christ under Emperor Decius (249-251) at Caesarea in Bithynίa. When Saint Leukios reproached the prefect Cumbricius for his unjust persecution of Christians, he was tortured and then executed. Saint Thyrsos, who was still a catechumen, was nonetheless eager for martyrdom. He was sentenced to cruel tortures after refusing to offer  (read more by clicking link)
  • Saint Stephen the Confessor, Archbishop of Sourozh, Crimea Commemorated December 15 / December 28 Saint Stephen the Confessor, Archbishop of Surrentium (Sourozh), was a native of Cappadocia and was educated at Constantinople. After receiving the monastic tonsure, he withdrew into the wilderness, where he lived for thirty years in ascetic deeds. Patriarch Germanus of Constantinople (May 12) heard of Stephen’s humility and virtuous life, and wished to meet him. He was so impressed with Stephen that he (read more by clicking link)
  • Prophet Haggai Commemorated December 16 / December 29 The Holy Prophet Haggai was the tenth of the Twelve Minor Prophets. He was of the Tribe of Levi and he prophesied during the times of the Persian emperor Darius Hystaspis (prior to 500 B.C.). Upon the return (read more by clicking link)
  • Prophet Daniel Commemorated December 17 / December 30 The Holy Prophet Daniel is the fourth of the major prophets. In the years following 600 B.C. Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians, the Temple built by Solomon was destroyed, and many of the Israelite people were led away into the Babylonian Captivity. Among the captives were also the illustrious youths Daniel, Ananias, Azarias and Misael. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon ordered that they be (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyr Sebastian at Rome, and his companions Commemorated December 18 / December 31 The Holy Martyr Sebastian was born in the city of Narbonum in Gaul (modern France), and he received his education at Mediolanum (now Milan). Under the co-reigning emperors Diocletian and Maximian (284-305) he occupied the position of head of the imperial guards. Saint Sebastian was respected for his authority, and was loved by the soldiers and those at court. He was a brave man filled with wisdom; his word was honest, his judgment just. He was insightful in advice and faithful in his service and in everything entrusted to him. He was a secret Christian, not out  (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2023
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Holiday Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! for joining us in celebration of Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, on Monday, December 19th. Divine Liturgy was served, followed by a simple meal. Children received a gift of fruit and sweets.
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
December 18, 2022

Sunday Bulletin - December 18, 2022
TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
 Commemorated December 18 / December 5 Saint Savva the Sanctified was born in the fifth century at Cappadocia of pious Christian parents, John and Sophia, and his father was a military commander. Journeying to Alexandria on military matters, John and Sophia left their five-year-old son Savva in the care of an uncle. When the boy was eight years old, he entered the nearby Monastery of Saint Flavian. The gifted child quickly learned to read and became an expert on the Holy Scriptures.
 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, December 18th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
 
For Memory of Departed servants: 
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Maria (Blaskevitch) on 50th anniversary of her passing into eternal life and +Stephen (Blaskevitch) by Marlene Blaskevitch
+Nicholas (Nayko) and +Nicholas (Zubko) on name day by Samuel Sokoluk, Jr
+Dragan (Novakovic) on anniversary of his passing into eternal life by Alexei
+Anastasia (Starr) on anniversary of his passing into eternal life by Mr. Dennis Starr
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of servant of God, +Nicholas (Zubko) and +Nicholas (Zubko) by Samuel Sokoluk, Jr. Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!
 
Nativity (St. Philip's) Fast now through January 6th 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone II When Thou didst descend to death, O Life immortal, / Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead! / And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, / all the powers of heaven cried out: / O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, All beyond thought, all most glorious, / are your mysteries, O Theotokos. / Sealed in purity, preserved in virginity, / you were revealed to be the true Mother who gave birth to the true God. / Entreat Him to save our souls.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone II Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, / seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! / The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! / And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.
 
St. Sabbas the Sanctified, Troparion With the streams of thy tears thou didst irrigate the barren desert,/ and with sighs from the depths of thy soul thou didst render thy labors fruitful an hun­dredfold./ Thou wast a beacon for the whole world, radiating miracles.// O our father Sabbas, entreat Christ God that our souls be saved.
 
St. Sabbas the Sanctified, Kontakion, In thy virtue didst thou offer thyself from childhood unto God/ as an unblem­ished sacrifice, O blessed Sabbas,/ becoming a gardener in the garden of piety./ Therefore, thou wast an adornment for the venerable/ and a right praiseworthy citizen of the desert.// Wherefore, we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Sabbas most rich!
 
EPISTLE EPHESIANS 6:10-17 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
 
GOSPEL LUKE 17:12-19  Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well." 
 
EPISTLE GALATANS 5:22-6:2 (SAINT) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 11:27-30 (SAINT)  All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
 
 
News released by The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
 "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
St. Andrew Naval Cathedral celebrates Patronal Feast On Wednesday, December 13, the parish of St. Andrew Naval Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA marked its patronal feast day. Cathedral rector Archpriest Mark Shinn celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by Archpriests Serge Lukianov (rector of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ), Luka Novakovic (rector of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Philadelphia), Ljubo Milosevic (rector of Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ), and Valery Sukholobov (rector of Joy of All Who Sorrow Church in Philadelphia), Priest Alexander Tsygankov and Deacon Eugene Iotov (cathedral clerics), Priest Anatoliy Revitskyy (cleric of Holy Protection Skete in Buena, NJ), and Protodeacon Paul Drozdowski (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral), as well as clergy from the Serbian, Romanian, and American (Albanian Archdiocese) Churches in the USA.
 A multitude of the faithful gathered to honor the memory of the church’s Heavenly patron, many of whom communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. The clergy served a short moleben before the icon of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. Upon completion of the service, Fr. Mark congratulated the clergy and parishioners with the patronal feast, thanked the visiting clergy for their participation in the festal divine services, and delivered a sermon on the life of the Apostle Andrew. Fr. Mark and Fr. Serge noted the importance of cooperation between the clergy of the Russian Church Abroad, the Moscow Patriarchate, and the other Orthodox Churches in America. On behalf of the parish of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Fr. Serge presented Fr. Mark a palitsa with a icon of the Holy Apostle Andrew. A festal luncheon was then served in the church hall, loving prepared by the cathedral sisterhood, during which fraternal interaction between the clergy and faithful continued.  "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Archpriest Emil Minkovich celebrates 55th anniversary of ordination to priesthood On Sunday, December 12, Archpriest Emil Minkovich, rector of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Elizabeth, NJ celebrated his 55th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. Joining Fr. Emil on this day was the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov who celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with him was the Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes, Priest Mark Rashkov and the Dean of the Eastern States Parishes, Priest Julian Ryabtsev. As the clergy received communion, Father Julian offered the Sunday Gospel sermon. After the Divine Liturgy, Fr Igor welcomed the clergy and the congregation and especially congratulated Fr Emil with this noteworthy anniversary. Furthermore, by the Blessing of His Holiness, Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, and on behalf of His Grace, Bishop Matthew, the Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Fr. Igor presented Fr. Emil with the order of St Seraphim of Sarov, second class. Fr. Igor wished Fr. Emil many more healthy and fruitful years of service.
In addition, with the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Matthew, Natalia Ramirez, Jana Jansone, & Kristina Brummett were presented with Archpastoral Gramotas in recognition of their diligent labors for the benefit of the parish. The celebrations continued in the church hall where Fr Emil’s relatives and the parishioners of the parish organized a festive meal in honor of Fr. Emil’s anniversary. Fr. Emil, the most senior ranking priest of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA was ordained a priest on September 27th, 1967 by Bishop Dosithius (Ivancehnko). Since then, Fr Emil has faithfully served the Russian Orthodox Church as a former dean of the Eastern States Parishes, a long-time member and Secretary of the Bishop’s Council, co-editor of the journal “One Church”, and rector of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Elizabeth, NJ since it was consecrated in 1967 by Metropolitan John (Wendland), Patriarchal Exarch of North and South America and the Aleutian Islands. The Clergy and Faithful of the Patriarchal Parishes thank Fr Emil for his many years of service and wish him many healthy and joyous years to come! "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Chancellor of Patriarchal Parishes meets with Rabbi Arthur Schneier  On December 15th, 2022, the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov met with the founder and president of the Call of Conscience Foundation, Rabbi Arthur Schneier. Established in 1965 to promote dialogue and good relations among traditional world religions, the Foundation is one of the most famous and influential interfaith organizations in the United States. Accompanying Fr. Igor was the Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Priest Mark Rashkov. Attending the meeting were Rabbi Elchanan Poupko, Interim Assistant Rabbi Rabbi and Rabbi Caleb Fischer, Director of Development at the Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School. During the conversation, a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed. Father Igor, in particular, spoke about how the Russian Orthodox Church carries out its ministry under the current difficulties that we are faced with today as well as about the current state of inter-Orthodox and inter-religious relations. Rabbi Arthur welcomed Fr. Igor and wished him success in his new obedience and role in the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2022 December/January 
  • Nativity(St. Philip's)Fast now through Fri. January 6th (Strict Fast) Eve of Nativity
  • Sunday December 18th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Monday December 19th Feast of Saint Nicholas Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday December 25th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Panikhida/Parastas after
  • Sunday January 1st Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  • Saint Gurias, Archbishop of Kazan Commemorated December 05 / December 18 Saint Gurias, Archbishop of Kazan, (in the world Gregory Rugotin), was the first archbishop of the Kazan diocese, established in 1555. He was born in the town of Radonezh outside Moscow into the family of a courtier. His parents were not wealthy, and so from his early years he had to serve Prince Ivan Penkov as steward of his estates. From his youth, Gregory was pious, humble and gentle, and he preserved his chastity. Accused of improprieties with the prince’s (read more by clicking link)
  • Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia Commemorated December 06 / December 19 Saint Nicholas, the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia is famed as a great saint pleasing unto God. He was born in the city of Patara in the region of Lycia (on the south coast of the Asia Minor peninsula), and was the only son of pious parents Theophanes and Nonna, who had vowed to dedicate him to God. As the fruit of the prayer of his childless parents, the infant Nicholas from the very day of his birth revealed to people the (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Nilus of Stolbensk Lake Commemorated December 07 / December 20 Saint Nilus of Stolobnoye was born into a peasant family in a small village of the Novgorod diocese. In the year 1505 he was tonsured at the monastery of Saint Savva of Krypetsk (August 28) near Pskov. After ten years in ascetic life at the monastery he set out to the River Sereml, on the side of the city of Ostashkova; here for thirteen years he led a strict ascetic life in incessant struggle against the snares of the devil, who took on the appearance of reptiles and wild beasts. Many of the inhabitants of  (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Patapius of Thebes Commemorated December 08 / December 21 Saint Patapios was born at Thebes into a pious Christian family. Reaching the age of maturity, he scorned the vanity of this world, and so he went into the Egyptian desert where he became known for his ascetic deeds. Though he wished to live in silence, people began coming to him for advice. To every tired pilgrim who visited his cell, he offered rest and hospitality, as well as spiritual instructions and (read more by clicking link)
  • The Conception by Righteous Anna of the Most Holy Mother of God Commemorated December 09 / December 22 Saint Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary, was the youngest daughter of the priest Nathan from Bethlehem, descended from the tribe of Levi. She married Saint Joachim (September 9), who was a native of Galilee. For a long time Saint Anna was childless, but after twenty years, through the fervent prayer of both spouses, an angel of the Lord announced to them that they would be the parents of a daughter, Who would bring blessings to the (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus, of Alexandria Commemorated December 10 / December 23 The Holy Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus suffered for their faith in Christ under the emperor Maximian (305-313). Saint Menas was sent by the emperor from Athens to Alexandria to suppress the riots that had arisen between the Christians and the pagans. Distinguished for his gift of eloquence, Menas instead openly began to preach the Christian Faith and he  (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople Commemorated December 11 / December 24 Saint Daniel the Stylite was born in the village of Bethara, near the city of Samosata in Mesopotamia. His mother Martha was childless for a long while and in her prayers she vowed that if she had a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord. Her prayers were heard, and Martha soon gave birth to a son, who was without a name until he was five years of age. The boy’s parents desired that since he was born through the good-will of God, he should also receive his name from God. They took their son to a monastery located nearby and approached the (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2022/2023
  • December 25th
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Holiday Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! for the hospitality of Rector Fr. Mark Shinn and parish of The Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, on Tuesday, December 13th. Together with the community of St. Andrew we celebrated the Feast of this great first called servant of Christ.
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones.
 
December 11, 2022

Sunday Bulletin - December 11, 2022
TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.
 
New Hieromartyr Seraphim (Chichagov), metropolitan of St. Petersburg (1937)
 Commemorated December 11 / November 28 
Troparion By sharing in the ways of the Apostles, / you became a successor to their throne. / Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God; / by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith, / even to the shedding of your blood. / Hieromartyr Seraphim, entreat Christ God to save our souls.
 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Schiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, December 11th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
 
For Memory of Departed servants: 
+Ian (Mellanby) on his passing into eternal life by Justine and Daughters
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Julia Ann (Sokoluk) on anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of servant of God, +Julia Ann (Sokoluk) on anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family. Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!
 
Nativity (St. Philip's) Fast now through January 6th 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone I When the stone had been sealed by the Jews; / while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure Body; / Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior, / granting life to the world. / The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of Life: / Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! / Glory to Thy Kingdom! / Glory to Thy dispensation, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, When Gabriel announced to Thee, O Virgin, “Rejoice!” / with that word the Master of all was incarnate in Thee, O Holy Ark. / As the righteous David said, / Thy womb became more spacious than the heavens, bearing Thy Creator. / Glory to Him Who took abode in Thee! / Glory to Him Who came from Thee! / Glory to Him Who freed us by being born of Thee!
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory, / raising the world with Thyself. / Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished! / Adam exults, O Master! / Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage, and cries to Thee: / Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!
 
Venerable Martyr Stephen the New, Troparion, Struggling first in fasting upon the mountain,/ with the whole armor of the Cross thou didst destroy the noetic hordes of the enemy, O most blessed one;/ and after­wards thou didst manfully array thyself for thy contest,/ slaying Copronymus with the sword of faith.// And for both hast thou been crowned by God, O ever-memorable venerable martyr Stephen.
 
Kontakion to the Martyr, With all our heart, O ye who love the feasts of the Church,/ let us faithfully praise with hymns the godly Stephen, the lover of the Trinity,/ as one who venerated the beauteous image of the Master and His Mother;/ and together let us now cry out to him, rejoicing with love:// Rejoice, O ever-glorious father!
 
Another Kontakion to the Martyr, From a barren woman didst thou, the offshoot of a root, grow forth,/ O venerable father, namesake of the protomartyr;/ and thou wast shown to be a great instructor of monks,/ unafraid of the wrath of the emperor who did not wish to venerate the image of Christ.// Wherefore, in dying thou didst receive the crown of martyrdom, O Stephen.
 
EPISTLE EPHESIANS 5:8-19 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light." See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
 
GOSPEL LUKE 13:10-17 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, "There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day." The Lord then answered him and said, "Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound-think of it-for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath? And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.
 
 
News released by The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
 "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Chancellor of Patriarchal Parishes visits parishes of Philadelphia On Sunday, December 4, the feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States, visited St. Michael the Archangel Church in Philadelphia, PA.
Concelebrating Divine Liturgy with Fr. Igor were Archpriest Luka Novakovic, rector of St. Michael Church, Archpriest John Vass, Atlantic States Dean and rector of Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore, MD, and Priest Mark Rashkov, Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes.
Fr. John delivered the sermon about the feast before Holy Communion. At the end of Divine Liturgy, Fr. Igor expressed the blessings and kind wishes to the parish of His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill and His Grace, Bishop Matthew and thanked the clergy and parishioners for welcoming him to the parish. Afterwards, everyone proceeded to the church hall for the luncheon prepared by the Women’s Fellowship. After the lunch, Fr. Igor led a parish meeting to discuss with everyone various issues impacting the parish life of St. Michael’s. Later, the clergy met separately with the parish council to continue the discussion in greater detail. Both meetings were conducted with mutual respect, Christian love and a sincere commitment to work for the strength of the parish.
Continuing his pastoral visit to Philadelphia, Fr. Igor Vyzhanov, then visited St. Andrew’s Cathedral, accompanied by Fr. Mark Rashkov and Fr. John Vass. The rector of St. Andrew’s, Mitred Archpriest Mark Shinn and cathedral cleric Priest Alexander Tsygankov warmly welcomed the visiting clergy. Fr. Mark Shinn acquainted Fr. Igor with the rich history of the parish, showing him the beautiful interior of the church narthex and altar, pointing out various improvements to the cathedral that have been done over the past few years, and various exhibitions in the parish museum. "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
On Tuesday, December 13, the Orthodox Church celebrates The Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. This is also the Altar feast of our closest neighbor Orthodox church. On this day, by the hospitality of Rector Fr. Mark Shinn we are all invited to join the community of St. Andrew and together celebrate this great first called servant of Christ.
 
2022 December
  • Nativity(St. Philip's)Fast now through Fri. January 6th (Strict Fast) Eve of Nativity
  • Sunday December 11th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday December 18th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Panikhida/Parastas after
  • Monday December 19th Feast of Saint Nicholas Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday December 25th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, on Sundays after services. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:  
  • Monastic Martyr and Confessor Stephen the New Commemorated November 28 / December 11 The Monk Martyr and Confessor Stephen the New was born in 715 at Constantinople into a pious Christian family. His parents, having two daughters, prayed the Lord for a son. The mother of the new-born Stephen took him to the Blachernae church of the Most Holy Theotokos and dedicated him to God. During the reign of the emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741) there was a persecution against the  (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyr Paramon and 370 Martyrs in Bithynia Commemorated November 29 / December 12 The Holy Martyr Paramon and the 370 Martyrs with him suffered for their faith in Christ in the year 250 during the rule of the emperor Decius (249-251). The governor of the Eastern regions, Aquianus, had locked up 370 Christians in prison, urging them to abjure Christ and instead offer sacrifice to idols. They subjected the captives to beatings, hoping by torture and the threat of death to persuade them to renounce Christ (read more by clicking link)
  • Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called Commemorated November 30 / December 13  The Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called was the first of the Apostles to follow Christ, and he later brought his own brother, the holy Apostle Peter, to Christ (John 1:35-42). The future apostle was from Bethsaida, and from his youth he turned with all his soul to God. He did not enter into marriage, and he worked with his brother as a fisherman. When the holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John began to preach, Saint Andrew became his closest (read more by clicking link)
  • Prophet Nahum Commemorated December 01 / December 14 The Holy Prophet Nahum, whose name means “God consoles,” was from the village of Elkosh (Galilee). He lived during the seventh century B.C. The Prophet Nahum prophesies the ruin of the Assyrian city of Nineveh because of its iniquity, the destruction of the Israelite kingdom, and the blasphemy of King Sennacherib against God. The Assyrian king Ashurbanipal died in 632 B.C., and over the next two decades, his empire began to crumble. Nineveh fell  (read more by clicking link)
  • Prophet Habakkuk Commemorated December 02 / December 15 The Holy Prophet Habakkuk, the eighth of the Twelve Minor Prophets, was descended from the Tribe of Simeon, and he prophesied around 650 B.C. The Prophet Habakkuk foresaw the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, the Babylonian Captivity and the later return of the captives to their native land. During the war with the Babylonians the prophet withdrew  (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Savva, Igoumen of Zvenigorod, Disciple of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh Commemorated December 03 / December 16 Saint Savva of Zvenigorod forsook the world in his early youth, and received the monastic tonsure from Saint Sergius of Radonezh (September 25 and July 5), and was his disciple and fellow-ascetic. Saint Savva loved solitude, and avoided conversing with people. He lived in constant toil, lamenting the poverty of his soul, and trembling before the judgment of God. He was a model of simplicity and (read more by clicking link)
  • Prophet Zephaniah Commemorated December 03 / December 16 The Prophet Zephaniah (Sophonias) was a contemporary of the Prophet Jeremiah and the Prophetess Oldama. He was from the tribe of Simeon, and was the ninth of the Twelve Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. The prophet lived at the royal (read more by clicking link)
  • Greatmartyr Barbara and Martyr Juliana, at Heliopolis in Syria Commemorated December 04 / December 17 The Holy Great Martyr Barbara lived and suffered during the reign of the emperor Maximian (305-311). Her father, the pagan Dioscorus, was a rich and illustrious man in the Syrian city of Heliopolis. After the death of his wife, he devoted himself to his only daughter. Seeing Barbara’s extraordinary beauty, Dioscorus decided to hide her from the eyes of  (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2022/2023
  • December 18th
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). Amount of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Holiday Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! to all who gathered for Holy Liturgy devoted to the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple. Several priests joined us on this special Feast day, along with the choir raising their voices in beautiful song. Thank you! to the Women's Fellowship for preparing the luncheon after Divine Liturgy. Thanks for joining us.
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones.
November 6, 2022

Sunday Bulletin - November 06, 2022
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy– 10:00 a.m.
 
Commemorated October 24 / November 06 How much consolation is contained in just the name of this Icon - awakening, strengthening the people's faith in the Mother of God, as a wondrous helper, who hastens everywhere where the groan of human suffering is heard, who wipes away the tears of those who mourn, and in sorrow itself, bestows moments of delight and heavenly joy. Rejoice always, O Heavenly Joy of all who Sorrow. 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Shiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, November 06th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Gail and Gregory (Shast) by Sokoluk Family
Nancy Anastasia (Smith) by Sunny Vera Lawrence 
 
For Memory of Departed servants:  
Newly departed +Frank (Krewda) on his passing into eternal life 
Newly departed +Anne (Kobasa) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Ian (Mellanby) on his passing into eternal life by Saverino Family 
Newly departed +Madeline (Popelak) on her passing into eternal life 
Newly departed +Helen (Yurkow) on her passing into eternal life by Veres Family
Newly departed +Olga and +John (Candelori) on their passing into eternal life by Justine 
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in honor of servant of God, Fr Luka, by Alexei, Mnoghaya Lyeta! Many Years!
 
Memory Eternal Ian Mellanby 
The Saverino and Mellanby families invite you to join us in celebrating the life and spirit of Ian Mellanby on Saturday, November 12 from 1-4 PM. The celebration will begin with a panikhida and then we will go downstairs to the hall to share stories and memories. For more information: https://www.fletchernasevich.com/obituary/DrIan-Mellanby 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone IV When the women disciples of the Lord learned from the angel / the joyous message of Thy resurrection, / they cast away the ancestral curse / and elatedly told the Apostles: / Death is overthrown! / Christ God is risen, / granting the world great mercy!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, The mystery of all eternity, / unknown even by angels, / through you, O Theotokos, is revealed to those on earth: / God incarnate, by union without confusion. / He voluntarily accepted the cross for us, / by which He resurrected the first-created man, / saving our souls from death.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone IV My Savior and Redeemer as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earthborn from their chains. He has shattered the gates of hell, and as Master, He has risen on the third day!
 
Troparion of the Icon of the Mother of God, “Joy of All Who Sorrow”, Let us, the sinful and humble,/ now ear­nestly flee to the Theotokos,/ and bow down, crying out in repentance from the depth of our souls:/ Help us, O Lady, who hast had mercy upon us./ Haste thou, for we perish from a multitude of transgressions./ Turn not thy servants away,// for thee do we have as our only hope.
 
Another Troparion of the Icon of the Mother of God, “Joy of All Who Sorrow”, Unworthy though we be,/ we cannot cease to proclaim thy power, O Theotokos;/ for if thou shouldst not intercede in prayer,/ who would deliver us from such misfortunes?/ Who would have kept us free until now?/ We shall not forsake thee, O Mistress,// for thou dost ever save thy servants from all evil.
 
Kontakion of the Icon of the Mother of God, “Joy of All Who Sorrow” We have none other help, we have none other hope, save thee, O Lady./ Do thou help us. We hope on thee and in thee we glory./ Let us never be confounded,// for we are thy servants.
 
EPISTLE GALATIANS 2:16-20  knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 
 
GOSPEL LUKE 16:19-31 There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' 
 
EPISTLE (THEOTOKOS) PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. robbery to be equal with God, And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 
 
GOSPEL (THEOTOKOS) LUKE 10:38-42; 11:27-28 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!" But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. Funds raised for Ukraine are being sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2022 November
  • Sunday November 6th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday November 13th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday November 20th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Panikhida/Parastas after
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, thus a Moleben was served on Sunday September 11th for students and teachers as they begin their academic studies. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:   
  • Martyr Arethas and 4,299 Martyrs with him Commemorated October 24 / November 06 The Martyr Arethas and with him 4299 Martyrs suffered for the Lord Jesus Christ in the sixth century. Arethas was prefect of the Christian city of Negran in Arabia. The Arabian (or Omirite) king, Dunaan, who was Jewish, decided to eliminate Christianity from the land. He issued an edict that all followers of Christ were to be put to (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, the Notaries of Constantinople Commemorated October 25 / November 07 The Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, Notaries of Constantinople served in a Constantinople cathedral. Marcian was a reader and Martyrius a subdeacon. They both performed in the capacity of notaries, i.e. secretaries, for Patriarch Paul the Confessor (November 6). Arian heretics expelled and secretly executed the righteous Patriarch Paul. His throne was given to the heretic Macedonius. The heretics attempted to (read more by clicking link)
  • Holy, Glorious Demetrios the Myrrh-gusher of Thessaloniki Commemorated October 26 / November 08 The Great Martyr Demetrios (Dēmḗtrios) the Myrrh-gusher of Thessaloniki was the son of a Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki. Three centuries had elapsed and Roman paganism, spiritually shattered and defeated by the multitude of martyrs and confessors of the Savior, intensified its persecutions. The parents of Saint Demetrios were secret Christians, and he was baptized and raised in the Christian Faith in a secret church in his father’s home. By the time Demetrios had (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica Commemorated October 27 / November 09 The holy Martyr Nestor was very young in age, handsome in appearance, and he was known to the holy Great Martyr Demetrios (October 26), for he had instructed Nestor in the faith. The Emperor was visiting Thessaloniki, and he built a high platform in the midst of the city so that a gigantic barbarian named Lyaios could wrestle there and be seen by everyone. Beneath the platform many spears and other  (read more by clicking link)
  • Greatmartyr Paraskevḗ of Iconium Commemorated October 28 / November 10 The Great Martyr Paraskevḗ of Iconium, lived during the third century in a rich and pious family. The parents of the saint especially reverenced Friday, the day of the Passion of the Lord, and therefore they called their daughter Paraskevḗ. This name, Paraskevḗ, also means Friday. Young Paraskevḗ with all her heart loved purity and the loftiness of the virginal life, and she took a vow of celibacy. She wanted to devote all her  (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Abramius the Recluse, and his niece, Blessed Mary, of Mesopotamia Commemorated October 29 / November 11 Saint Abramius the Hermit and Blessed Maria, his niece of Mesopotamia, lived the ascetic life in the village of Chidan, near the city of Edessa. They were contemporaries and fellow countrymen of Saint Ephraim the Syrian (January 28), who afterwards wrote about their life. Saint Abramius began his difficult exploit of the solitary life in the prime of youth. He left his parents’ home and settled in a desolate wilderness place, far from worldly (read more by clicking link)
  • Monastic Martyr Anastasia of Rome Commemorated October 29 / November 11 The Monastic Martyr Anastasia the Roman lost her parents when she was three years old, and was taken to be raised by the Igoumeness of a women’s monastery, whose name was Sophia, a nun who had attained a high degree of spiritual perfection. She raised Anastasia in fervent faith, in the fear of God, and obedience. After seventeen years, Anastasia became known as a great (read more by clicking link)
  • Hieromartyr Zenobios and his sister Zenobia, of Aegæ in Cilicia Commemorated October 30 / November 12 The Hieromartyr Zenobius, Bishop of Aegea, and his sister Zenobia suffered a martyr’s death in the year 285 in Cilicia. From childhood they were raised in the holy Christian Faith by their parents, and they led pious and chaste lives. In their mature years, shunning the love of money, they distributed away their inherited wealth giving it to the poor. For his beneficence and holy (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2022/2023
  • November 20th
  • December 18th
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). A of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Fall Harvest Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones
 
 
October 30, 2022

Sunday Bulletin - October 30, 2022
TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy– 10:00 a.m.
 
 
Commemorated October 17 / October 30 The Holy Prophet Hosea the first of the minor prophets, belonged to the tribe of Issachar. He lived during the ninth Century before Christ, in the kingdom of Israel. He was a contemporary of the holy Prophets Isaiah, Micah and Amos. During this time, many of his fellow Israelites had forgotten the true God, and worshipped idols. The holy Prophet Hosea attempted to turn them again to the faith of their Fathers by his wise counsels.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List:Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Jeffrey (Poedubicky), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Shiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, October 30th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Gail and Gregory (Shast) by Sokoluk Family
 
For Memory of Departed servants:  
Newly departed +Frank (Krewda) on his passing into eternal life by friend
Newly departed +Anne (Kobasa) on her passing into eternal life by Veres Family
Newly departed +Ian (Mellanby) on his passing into eternal life by Saverino Family 
Newly departed +Madeline (Popelak) on her passing into eternal life 
Newly departed +Helen (Yurkow) on her passing into eternal life by Veres Family
Newly departed +Olga and +John (Candelori) on their passing into eternal life by Justine 
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Sydor and +Mary (Hrynick) by Sunny Vera Lawrence 
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in honor of servant of God, Fr Luka, by Alexei, Mnoghaya Lyeta! Many Years!
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone III Let the heavens rejoice, / let the earth be glad! / For the Lord has shown might with His arm,/ He has trampled down death by death. / He has become the first-born of the dead. / He has delivered us from the depths of hell, / and has granted the world great mercy!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, We praise you as the mediatrix of our salvation, / O Virgin Theotokos. / For your Son, our God, Who took flesh from you, / accepted the passion of the cross, / delivering us from corruption as the Lover of man.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, On this day Thou didst rise from the tomb, O Merciful One, / leading us from the gates of death. / On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; / with the prophets and patriarchs they unceasingly praise / the divine majesty of Thy power!
 
Venerable Martyr Andrew of Crete, Troparion, Struggling first in fasting upon the mountain,/ with the whole armor of the Cross/ thou didst destroy the noetic hordes of the enemy, O most blessed one;/ and after­wards thou didst manfully array thyself for thy contest,/ slaying Copronymus with the sword of faith./ And for both hast thou been crowned by God,// O ever-memo­rable venerable martyr Andrew.
 
Kontakion of the venerable martyr Today the imperial city doth celebrate/ the all-splendid feast of thy radiant memo­ry,/ summoning every city and land;/ for it rejoiceth, possessing thy much-suffering body as a great treasure,// O martyr Andrew, beacon of Orthodoxy.
 
Kontakion of the venerable martyr, Out of love for thee, O divinely blessed one,/ we utter hymns of praise as thanks­giving to the namesake of manliness,/ to the teacher of the mysteries of piety./ As thou hast boldness before the Lord, save us from all evils,// that we may chant: Rejoice, O ever-memorable father!
 
EPSITLE  GALATIANS 1:11-19  But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 8:5-15  A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold. When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" Then His disciples asked Him, saying, "What does this parable mean?" And He said, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.' Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
News released by The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
 
Clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA serve funeral for newly-reposed Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk On Sunday, October 23, the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA bade farewell to Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk who reposed in the Lord on October 19. The evening prior, the funeral rite for a priest was served in the Church of All Saints who shown forth in the Russian Lands in Pine Bush, NY. On Sunday morning, the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA celebrated the Divine Liturgy co-served by Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov; dean of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City), Priest Mark Rashkov (Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes), Priest Artem Kulikovsky (parish rector) and Protodeacon Igor Panachev (cleric of St. Nicholas Cathedral). The church was filled with faithful, wishing to raise up their prayers to their newly-reposed pastor. Condolences were relayed on behalf of the Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a litia was served after which Archpriest Nikolai was interred in the parish cemetery. A memorial repast was held in the parish hall. 
 "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov appointed Chancellor of Patriarchal Parishes & Rector of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, in accordance with the decision of His Holiness Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow and All Russia and the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church of March 24, 2022 (Journal №. 28), appointed Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov rector of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City and Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA.
 "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2022 October/November
  • Sunday October 30th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Monday October 31st Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday November 6th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday November 13th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, thus a Moleben was served on Sunday September 11th for students and teachers as they begin their academic studies. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:   
  • Monastic Martyr Andrew of Crete Commemorated October 17 / October 30 The Hieromartyr Andrew of Crete lived during the reign of the iconoclast emperor Constantine Kopronymos (741-775), who ordered Christians, under penalty of death, to remove the holy icons from their churches and homes. Believers, who fearlessly resisted the impious iconoclast, and held firmly to the traditions of the holy Fathers, were locked in prison. When the venerable Andrew heard that the emperor was throwing virtuous and pious Christians into prison instead of thieves and robbers, he went to the Church of the Great Martyr Mamas (September 2) in Constantinople and in front of (read more by clicking link)
  • Apostle and Evangelist Luke Commemorated October 18 / October 31 The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, was a native of Syrian Antioch, a companion of the holy Apostle Paul (Phil.1:24, 2 Tim. 4:10-11), and a physician enlightened in the Greek medical arts. Hearing about Christ, Luke arrived in Palestine and fervently accepted the preaching of salvation from the Lord Himself. As one of the Seventy Apostles, Saint Luke was sent by the Lord with the others to preach the Kingdom of Heaven during the Savior’s earthly life (Luke 10:1-3). After the Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Saints Luke and Cleopas on the (read more by clicking link)
  • Prophet Joel Commemorated October 19 / November 01 The Prophet Joel (800 B.C.) predicted the desolation of Jerusalem. He also prophesied that the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon all people, through the Savior of the (read more by clicking link)
  • Translation of the relics of Venerable John, Abbot of Rila, Bulgaria Commemorated October 19 / November 01 Today we commemorate the transfer of the relics of Saint John, Abbot of Rila in Bulgaria (1238). The relics of Saint John were transferred from the (read more by clicking link) 
  • Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch Commemorated October 20 / November 02 Holy Great Martyr Artemius of Antioch was a prominent military leader during the reigns of the emperor Constantine the Great (May 21), and his son and successor Constantius (337-361). Artemius received many awards for distinguished service and courage. He was appointed viceroy of Egypt. In this official position he did much for the spreading and strengthening Christianity in Egypt. Saint Artemius was sent by the emperor Constantius to bring the relics of the holy Apostle Andrew from Patras, and the relics  (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Hilarion the Great Commemorated October 21 / November 03 Saint Hilarion the Great was born to pagan parents in the year 291 in the Palestinian village of Thabatha near Gaza. As a young man, he was sent to Alexandria for his education. There he became acquainted with Christianity and was baptized. After hearing an account of the angelic life of Saint Anthony the Great (January 17), Hilarion went to meet him, desiring to study with him and learn what is pleasing to God. Hilarion soon returned to his native land to find that his parents had died. After distributing his family’s inheritance to the poor, Saint Hilarion went forth into the desert surrounding the city of (read more by clicking link)
  • Translation of the relics of Saint Hilarion, Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria Commemorated October 21 / November 03 The Transfer of the Relics of Saint Hilarion, Bishop of Meglin, to the Bulgarian city of Trnovo, occurred in the year 1206. Prior to this event, the body of the saint rested in the city of Meglin. Saint Hilarion received a fine Christian upbringing. At eighteen, he entered a monastery. Because of his virtuous and strict life he was chosen to be igumen of the monastery. He was very concerned about the salvation of the monks’ souls. He unceasingly exhorted those souls entrusted to him not to  (read more by clicking link)
  • Commemoration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God and the deliverance from the Poles Commemorated October 22 / November 04 The Commemoration of the Deliverance of Moscow From the Poles by the Kazan Icon was established in gratitude for the deliverance of Moscow and all Russia from the incursion of the Polish in 1612. The end of the sixteenth and beginning of the seventeenth centuries is known in Russian history as “the Time of Troubles.” The country suffered the onslaught of Polish armies, which scoffed at the Orthodox Faith, plundering and burning churches, cities and villages. Through deceit they succeeded in taking Moscow. In response to the appeal of His Holiness Patriarch Hermogenes (May 12), the Russian people rose up in defense of its native land. From Kazan, the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God was sent to the army headed by (read more by clicking link)
  • 7 Holy Youths “Seven Sleepers” of Ephesus Commemorated October 22 / November 04 The Seven Youths of Ephesus: Maximilian, Iamblicus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodianus (Constantine) and Antoninus, lived in the third century. Saint Maximilian was the son of the Ephesus city administrator, and the other six youths were sons of illustrious citizens of Ephesus. The youths were friends from childhood, and all were in military service together. When the emperor Decius (249-251) arrived in Ephesus, he commanded all the citizens (read more by clicking link)
  • Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord Commemorated October 23 / November 05 The Holy Apostle James, the Brother of God (Adelphótheos) was the son of the Righteous Joseph before he was betrothed to the Most Holy Theotokos. Tradition says that Joseph had other sons with his first wife. Thus, James was called the Lord's brother. Saint James had been a Nazirite, a man or woman consecrated to God for a limited time. During the period of consecration the Nazirites vowed to to abstain from wine and other intoxicating beverages, they could not cut their hair, and all contact with a corpse was forbidden (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2022/2023
  • November 20th
  • December 18th
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). A of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Fall Harvest Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you for joining us in celebration of Greg Kauriga, as we thanked him for his many years of dedicated service as our parish choir director.  On behalf of Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of The Moscow Patriarchal Parishes of the USA, Fr Luka made the formal presentation of a gramota to Gregory, a priceless token to over five decades of service to The Holy Church and community. A luncheon was enjoyed in the church hall after Divine Liturgy, on Sunday October 22nd.
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones
October 23, 2022

Sunday Bulletin - October 23, 2022
NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE SEVENTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy– 10:00 a.m.
 
Commemorated October 10 / October 23 Today the Church remembers the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council under the holy Patriarch Tarasius (February 25). The Synod of 787, the second to meet at Nicea, refuted the Iconoclast heresy during the reign of Empress Irene and her son Constantine VI.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List:Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Jeffrey (Poedubicky), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Shiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, October 23rd Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Gail and Gregory (Shast) by Sokoluk Family
Gregory (Kauriga) on his birthday by Kauriga family
 
For Memory of Departed servants:  
Newly departed +Frank (Krewda) on his passing into eternal life by Veres Family 
Newly departed +Anne (Kobasa) on her passing into eternal life by Marlene Blaskevitch
Newly departed +Ian (Mellanby) on his passing into eternal life by Saverino Family 
Newly departed +Madeline (Popelak) on her passing into eternal life by Veres Family
Newly departed +Helen (Yurkow) on her passing into eternal life by Veres Family
Newly departed +Olga and +John (Candelori) on their passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Sydor and +Mary (Hrynick) by Sunny Vera Lawrence 
+Robin (Read) by Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Starr 
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in honor of servant of God, Gregory (Kauriga), on his birthday, by Sokoluk Family, Mnoghaya Lyeta! Many Years!
 
Join us in celebrating Greg Kauriga, as we thank him for his many years of dedicated service as our parish choir director. There will be a luncheon in our church hall after Divine Liturgy, today. 
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone II When Thou didst descend to death, O Life immortal, / Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead! / And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, / all the powers of heaven cried out: / O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to Thee!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, All beyond thought, all most glorious, / are your mysteries, O Theotokos. / Sealed in purity, preserved in virginity, / you were revealed to be the true Mother who gave birth to the true God. / Entreat Him to save our souls.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, / seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! / The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! / And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.
 
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council Troparion, Most glorious art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our fathers upon the earth as beacons, and hast thereby guided us all to the true Faith! O greatly Compassionate One, glory be to Thee!
 
Kontakion The Son Who ineffably shone forth from the Father hath been born in two natures of a woman, and beholding Him we do not disdain to depict the form thereof. But, tracing it piously, we honor it in faith. Wherefore, the Church, holding to the true Faith, doth vener­ate the icon of the incarnation of Christ.
 
EPISTLE 2 CORINTHIANS 11:31-12:9  The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands. It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago-whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows-such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man-whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows- how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 
 
GOSPEL LUKE 7:11-16  Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people." 
 
EPISTLE HEBREWS 13:7-16 (FATHERS) Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
 
GOSPEL JOHN 17:1-13 (FATHERS) Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
News released by The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
 
Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk reposed in the Lord  On October 20, 2022, after a severe & prolonged illness, rector-emeritus of the Church of All Saints who Shown Forth in the Russian Land at the Patriarchal Metochion in Pine Bush, NY, Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk, reposed in the Lord. ***The future pastor was born on October 10, 1957 in the village of Kizya in the Kamianets-Podilsk district of the Khmelnytskyi province to a family of workers. After graduating from school and serving in the army, he married Ekaterina Dudchak, who was a faithful companion and assistant to Fr. Nikolai in all places of his ministry. Fr. Nikolai and Matushka Ekaterina raised three daughters, who became faithful helpers in his parish service. On March 8, 1985, as a student at the Moscow Theological Seminary, he was ordained by its rector, Bishop Alexander (Timofeev) of Dmitrov, to the diaconate, and on October 6 of the same year, a priest. In 1987, after graduating from seminary, he served in the parishes of the Khmelnytskyi diocese. By the decision of His Holiness Patriarch Pimen and the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in February 20, 1989, he was appointed rector of the Church of all Saints who shown forth in the Russian Lands at the Patriarchal Metochion in Pine Bush, New York, of the Patriarchal parishes in the United States of America, where he served until his repose. Fr. Nicholas’ zealous service was celebrated by the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church with many ecclesiastical and church-wide awards, including the right to wear a mitre, which Fr. Nicholas was awarded by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on Holy Pascha, 2010. Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, the Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, expresses his sincere condolences to Matushka Ekaterina, the rector of the church, Priest Artemy Kulikovsky, children, relatives and spiritual children of Fr. Nikolai, and he calls on the clergy and faithful of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States to lift up their prayers for the newly repose. Eternal & grateful memory to Archpriest Nikolai!  "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2022 October/November
  • Sunday October 23rd Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday October 30th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday November 6th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, thus a Moleben was served on Sunday September 11th for students and teachers as they begin their academic studies. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:   
  • Venerable Ambrose of Optina Commemorated October 10 / October 23 Alexander Michailovich Grenkov was born Nov. 23, 1812 in the Russian province of Tambov. His parents raised him strictly and with fervent piety. Since he was of a priestly family, it was no surprise when he entered the Tambov theological seminary in 1830. He did well in his studies and was ranked among the top (read more by clicking link)
  • Apostle Philip of the Seventy, One of the Seven Deacons Commemorated October 11 / October 24  Holy Apostle Philip of the Seventy, one of the 7 Deacons is not to be confused with Saint Philip one of the Twelve Apostles (November 14). This Philip was born in Palestine, was married and had children. After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Twelve Apostles made Philip a deacon in the Church of Jerusalem. Along with the other six (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus, at Tarsus in Cilicia Commemorated October 12 / October 25 The Martyrs Tarachus, Probus, and Andronicus suffered for Christ in the year 304 at Tarsus in Cilicia. When the pagans ordered him to offer sacrifice to idols, the old soldier Tarachus replied that he would offer a pure heart to the one true God instead of sacrifices of blood. Seeing the firmness of the saint’s (read more by clicking link)
  • Translation of the Ivḗron Icon of the Mother of God to Moscow Commemorated October 13 / October 26 The Ivḗron Icon of the Mother of God, located on Mount Athos, has been glorified by many miracles. Accounts of the wonderworking image were spread throughout Russia by pilgrims. His Holiness Patriarch Nikon (then still Abbot of the Novospasky monastery) asked (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Paraskevḗ (Petka) of Serbia Commemorated October 14 / October 27 Saint Paraskevḗ the New was born into a pious family, living during the eleventh century in the village of Epivato, between Silistra and Constantinople. Her older brother Euthymius became a monk, and later he was consecrated as Bishop of Matidia. One day, while attending the divine services, the words of the Lord pierced her heart like an arrow, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself” (Mt. 16:24). From that time she began to distribute her clothing to the needy, for which reason she endured much grief from (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Euthymius the New of Thessalonica, and Monk of Mount Athos Commemorated October 15 / October 28 Saint Euthymius the New of Thessalonica and Mt Athos, in the world was named Nicetas, and he was a native of the city of Ancyra in Galatia. His parents, Epiphanius and Anna, led virtuous Christian lives, and from childhood their son was meek, pious and obedient. At age seven he was left fatherless and he soon became the sole support of his mother in all matters. Having entered military service, Nicetas married, on the insistence (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyr Longinus the Centurion, who stood at the Cross of the Lord Commemorated October 16 / October 29 The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion, a Roman soldier, served in Judea under the command of the Governor, Pontius Pilate. When our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified, it was the detachment of soldiers under the command of Longinus which stood watch on Golgotha, at the very foot of the holy Cross. Longinus and his soldiers were eyewitnesses of the final (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2022/2023
  • November 20th
  • December 18th
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). A of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Fall Harvest Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones
 
October 9, 2022

Sunday Bulletin - October 09, 2022
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy– 10:00 a.m.
 
Commemorated October 9 / September 26 The Holy, Glorious All-laudable Apostle and Evangelist, Virgin, and Beloved Friend of Christ, John the Theologian was the son of Zebedee and Salome, a daughter of Saint Joseph the Betrothed. He was called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be one of His Apostles at the same time as his elder brother James. 
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List:Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Jeffrey (Poedubicky), Frank (Krewda), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Shiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, October 9th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Gail and Gregory (Shast) by Sokoluk Family
 
For Memory of Departed servants:  
Newly departed +Anne (Kobasa) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Madeline (Popelak) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Helen (Yurkow) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Olga and +John (Candelori) on their passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Sydor and +Mary (Hrynick) by Sunny Vera Lawrence 
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of servant of God, +Anne (Kobasa), on her passing into eternal life, by Sokoluk Family, Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone VIII Thou didst descend from on high, O Merciful One! / Thou didst accept the three-day burial to free us from our sufferings! / O Lord, our Life and Resurrection: glory to Thee!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, For our sake Thou wast born of the Virgin / and did endure crucifixion, O Good One, / destroying death by death. / Revealing the resurrection as God, / do not despise the work of Thy hand. / Reveal Thy love for man, O merciful One, / and accept the Theotokos praying for us, / and save Thy despairing people, O Savior.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, By rising from the tomb, Thou didst raise the dead and resurrect Adam. / Eve exults in Thy Resurrection, / and the world celebrates Thy rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!
 
Repose of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, Troparion, O beloved apostle of Christ God,/ haste thou to deliver a defenceless people./ He Who permitted thee to recline against His breast/ receiveth thee, prostrate in supplication./ Him do thou beseech, O theologian,/ that He dispel the gloom of the nations which doth beset us,// asking for us peace and great mercy.
 
Kontakion, Who can recount thy mighty works, O virgin apostle?/ For thou pourest out miracles and causest healings to flow forth;/ and thou prayest for our souls,// in that thou art a theologian and the friend of Christ.
 
EPISTLE 2 CORINTHIANS 6:16-7:1 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:"I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." Therefore Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 5:1-11 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
 
EPISTLE 1 JOHN 4:12-19 (APOSTLE) No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.
 
GOSPEL JOHN 19:25-27; 21:24-25 (APOSTLE) Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
News released by The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
 
On October 6, 2022, the feast of the Conception of the Holy Prophet and Baptist John, after a short illness, one of the senior-most clerics of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archpriest John Kassatkin, rector emeritus of the Elevation of the Cross Church in Hackettstown, NJ, reposed in the Lord at the age of 82. The Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archpriest George Konyev, performed the Sacrament of Unction and the Canon for the Departure of the Soul over the newly-departed just prior to his repose.
 
***Archpriest John was born on September 28, 1940, into a priest’s family of Priest Constantine and Matushka Josephine Kassatkin in Export, Pennsylvania. Having lost his father early, John took care of his mother and younger brother and sister, combining work with schooling. Despite a difficult childhood, John never abandoned his desire to receive a spiritual education and devote his life to serving God and the Holy Church. In his autobiography, the future priest wrote about it this way: “After the death of my father, I was more and more possessed by an ardent desire to become a priest. I saw that in our material age, few of my peers were ready to devote themselves to the Church. And I understood that the priesthood was more of a burden than a blessing, but my love for the Church put those fears into hindsight.”
 
In 1962, John Kassatkin entered full-time study at the Holy Trinity Theological Seminary in Paris. Due to family circumstances, he was unable to complete his studies. Returning to the United States, he married a parishioner of Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral in Passaic, NJ, Maxine Bernhardt. In 1972, the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Bishop Macarius of Uman (+2007) ordained John to the holy diaconate, and in 1974 he was ordained a priest, being assigned to serve as a full-time cleric of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York City. In 1976, he was accepted for the distance learning program at the Leningrad Theological Seminary, where he completed his spiritual education under the rector, then-Bishop Kyrill, the current Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. In 1982 he was appointed rector of Elevation of the Cross Church in Hackettstown, New Jersey, where he served until the end of his days.
 
Due to Fr. John’s zealous and meritorious service, he was awarded by the hierarchy all the priestly awards, medals and orders of the Russian Orthodox Church including the right to wear the mitre in 1992. Father John was an unsurpassed connoisseur of the liturgical rubrics, generously sharing his experience of serving with the younger generation of clergy of our Church, actively participating in all diocesan events, and for many years was a member of the Bishop’s Council of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States. The Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, as well as his hierarchal predecessors, express their sincere condolences to the families and friends of the newly departed Archpriest John and pray for the repose of the sol of the faithful servant of the Church in the mansions of the righteous. Memory Eternal to Archpriest John!
 
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR THE NEWLY-DEPARTED ARCHPRIEST JOHN KASSATKIN all services to be held at Elevation of the Holy Cross Church 909 County Rd 517, Hackettstown, NJ. Sunday. October 9 9:00am Arrival of the body of the newly-reposed Archpriest John; 9:30am - Divine Liturgy with visitation afterwards; 7:00pm - Rite of the Funeral of a Priest. Monday, October 10 10:00am - Divine Liturgy, Litiya; Interment at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Saddle Brook, NJ 2:00pm - Repast "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
 
Liturgical Calendar 
2022 October
  • Sunday October 9th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday October 16th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Monthly Pankihida/Parastas after
  • Sunday October 23rd Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday October 30th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, thus a Moleben was served on Sunday September 11th for students and teachers as they begin their academic studies. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:    
  • Venerable Ephraim, Abbot of Perekop, Wonderworker of Novgorod Commemorated September 26 / October 09 Saint Ephraim of Perekop, Novgorod, was born on September 20, 1412 in the city of Kashin. In Holy Baptism he was named Eustathius. His parents, Stephen and Anna, lived not far from the Kashin women’s monastery named in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Drawn to the solitary life, Eustathius left his parental home while still in his early years and settled in the Kalyazin monastery of the Most Holy Trinity. His parents wanted their son to return home, but he persuaded them to (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Sabbatius, Wonderworker of Solovki Commemorated September 27 / October 10 Saint Sabbatius of Solovki came to the Saint Cyril of White Lake monastery in the year 1396, where he received the monastic tonsure. He there pursued asceticism for a long time, unquestioningly fulfilling all obediences. His humility, gentle love towards the brethren and his strict life distinguished the monk Sabbatius among his (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Chariton the Confessor, Abbot of Palestine Commemorated September 28 / October 11  Saint Chariton the Confessor was born at Iconium in the province of Lycaonia, and suffered there during a persecution against Christians in the reign of Emperor Aurelian (270-275). The example of the holy Protomartyr Thekla (September 24), who was also a native of his city, encouraged him to confess Christ, since he had (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Kyriákos the Anchorite Commemorated September 29 / October 12 Saint Kyriákos1 was born in the Greek city of Corinth to the priest John and his wife Eudokίa. Bishop Peter of Corinth, who was a family relative, seeing that Kyriákos was a quiet and sensible child, made him a Reader in church. His constant reading of the Holy Scriptures awakened in him a love for the Lord, and made him long for a pure (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Gregory, Abbot of Pelsheme and Wonderworker of Vologda Commemorated September 30 / October 13 Saint Gregory of Pelsheme, Vologda, was born in the city of Galich, Kostroma governia. He came from the line of the Lopotov nobility. When the youth reached age fifteen, his parents wanted him to marry, but they died, without seeing this come to pass. Young Gregory distributed the inheritance left him to the poor, and entered the monastery of the Most Holy Theotokos on the shore of Lake Galich. The Igumen of the monastery regarded the new monk with (read more by clicking link)
  • Saint Michael, first Metropolitan of Kiev Commemorated September 30 / October 13 Saint Michael the first Metropolitan of Kiev, according to the Joakimov chronicle, was a Syrian by birth, but according to other chronicles, he was a Bulgarian or Serb. In the year 989, he arrived at Korsun with other clergy for holy Prince Vladimir (July 15), not long after Vladimir’s Baptism (988). As first metropolitan of the Russian Church his service was difficult, but grace-filled. He zealously made the rounds of the newly-enlightened Russian Land, preaching (read more by clicking link)
  • The Protection of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary Commemorated October 01 / October 14 This miraculous appearance of the Mother of God occurred in the mid-tenth century in Constantinople, in the Blachernae church where her robe, veil, and part of her belt were preserved after being transferred from Palestine in the fifth century. On Sunday, October 1, during the All Night Vigil, when the church was overflowing with those at prayer, the Fool-for-Christ Saint Andrew (October 2), at the fourth hour, lifted up his eyes towards the heavens and beheld our  (read more by clicking link)
  • Hieromartyr Cyprian, Virgin Martyr Justina, and Martyr Theoctistus, of Nicomedia Commemorated October 02 / October 15 Saint Cyprian was a pagan and a native of Antioch. From his early childhood his misguided parents dedicated him to the service of the pagan gods. From the age seven until he was thirty, Cyprian studied at the leading centers of paganism: on Mount Olympus; in the cities of Argos and Tauropolis; in the Egyptian city of Memphis; and at Babylon. Once he attained eminent wisdom in pagan philosophy and the sorcerer’s craft, he was initiated into  (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2022/2023
  • October 16th
  • November 20th
  • December 18th
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). A of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Fall Harvest Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones
October 9, 2022

Sunday Bulletin - October 16, 2022
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Confession – 9:30 a.m. Reading of the Hours 
Divine Liturgy– 10:00 a.m.
 
Commemorated October 16 / October 3 Saint Dionysius lived originally in the city of Athens. He was raised there and received a classical Greek education. He then went to Egypt, where he studied astronomy at the city of Heliopolis. It was in Heliopolis, along with his friend Apollophonos where he witnessed the solar eclipse that occurred at the moment of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ by Crucifixion.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List:Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Jeffrey (Poedubicky), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Shiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, October 16th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of:  
Gail and Gregory (Shast) by Sokoluk Family
 
For Memory of Departed servants:  
Newly departed +Frank (Krewda) on his passing into eternal life 
Newly departed +Anne (Kobasa) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Ian (Mellanby) on his passing into eternal life by Saverino Family 
Newly departed +Madeline (Popelak) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Helen (Yurkow) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Olga and +John (Candelori) on their passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Sydor and +Mary (Hrynick) by Sunny Vera Lawrence 
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of servant of God, +Frank (Krewda), on his passing into eternal life, by Sokoluk Family, Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!
 
3rd Sunday Monthly Panikhida/Parastas offered today for the souls +newly departed & departed servants of God, offered by Justine Paul & Family; Justine & Greg; Stephen Nasobkow; Sokoluk Family; Staso Family; Peleszak Family; Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat!
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone I When the stone had been sealed by the Jews; / while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure Body; / Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior, / granting life to the world. / The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of Life: / Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! / Glory to Thy Kingdom! / Glory to Thy dispensation, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, When Gabriel announced to Thee, O Virgin, “Rejoice!” / with that word the Master of all was incarnate in Thee, O Holy Ark. / As the righteous David said, / Thy womb became more spacious than the heavens, bearing Thy Creator. / Glory to Him Who took abode in Thee! / Glory to Him Who came from Thee! / Glory to Him Who freed us by being born of Thee!
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory, / raising the world with Thyself. / Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished! / Adam exults, O Master! / Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage, and cries to Thee: / Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!
 
St. Dionysius the Areopagite, Troparion, Having learned goodness and been watchful in all things,/ arrayed as befitteth a priest, in a good conscience,/ thou didst draw forth ineffable things from the chosen vessel;/ and, having kept the Faith, thou didst complete a course like unto his.// O hieromartyr Dionysius, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.
 
Kontakion, Having, through the spirit, passed the portals of heaven,/ as a disciple of the apos­tle who reached the third heaven, O Dionysius,/ thou wast enriched with all under­standing of ineffable things/ and hast illumined those who sit in the darkness of unbelief.// Wherefore, we cry out: Rejoice, O universal father!
 
EPISTLE 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-11  But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 6:31-36  And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. 
 
EPISTLE ACTS 17:16-34 (HIEROMARTYR) Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods," because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean. For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter." So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. 
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 13:44-54 (HIEROMARTYR)  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord."  Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old." Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
 
News released by The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
Sts. Peter & Paul Church celebrates Quasquicentennial On Sunday, October 9, the feast of Holy Apostle & Evangelist John the Theologian, Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Scranton. PA joyously celebrated the 125th anniversary of the parish’s founding. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by parish rector, Archpriest Basil Micek, joined by Archpriest Roman Star (rector emeritus of St Innocent Church in Redford MI), Archpriest Michael Lepa, (parish administrator of St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes Barre PA), and Archpriest John Vass, (dean of the Atlantic States, rector of Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore MD). During the Liturgy, prayers were raised at the Litany for the Departed for the reposed parish parish rectors. At the end of Liturgy a Thanksgiving Moleben was served in honor of the 125th anniversary of the parish. A custom icon was written for the occasion depicting the Chiefs of the Apostles Peter & Paul along with Saint Alexis (Toth) founding rector, and Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia. The Icon was blessed at the end of Liturgy with copies given to all in attendance. Archpriest John Vass, read the greetings from His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. On behalf of the Chancery of the Patriarchal Parishes, Fr. John presented an icon of the Holy Apostle Paul to the parish to commemorate the occasion. A festive banquet was held for all at a local restaurant after Liturgy.  "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
New York City street dedicated in memory of St. Tikhon (Belavin), Patriarch of Moscow & all Russia On October 7, 2022, the 228th anniversary of the establishment of the Orthodox Mission on the North American Continent in 1794, at the intersection of Madison Avenue and East 97thStreet in Manhattan, where St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral is located, with the blessing of the Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, the opening of the street sign "Saint Tikhon Way" took place. The ceremony was attended by the clergy of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, parishioners, management and partners of the Russian American Heritage Center (RACH-C). The decision of the authorities of New York City to award the honorary name of a section of the street in honor of St. Tikhon, who built and consecrated the cathedral in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in 1902, was the result of more than a decade of work by the clergy, parishioners, religious and public organizations. The initiator of perpetuating the memory of St. Tikhon in the tautonymy of New York and the first chairman of the working group was Archbishop Justinian (Ovchinnikov) during his tenure as Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA (2010-2014). On Sunday, October 9, the feast of the glorification of St. Tikhon (1989), Divine Liturgy was celebrated in St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York City amongst a large gathering of believers. After the service, it was announced to the parishioners about the dedication of the street. The Secretary of the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov), expressed deep gratitude for the invaluable help in organizing work with the authorities of the city at all levels, to the President of the Russian-American Heritage Center, Olga Sergeevna Zatsepina, and, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow and All Russia, awarded her the Patriarchal medal in honor of St. Tikhon. O.S. Zatsepina noted that she perceives the sign of Patriarchal attention as a reward to all those who have worked to perpetuate the memory of St. Tikhon: parishioners, the Youth Department of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States, representatives of local religious and public organizations, members of the New York State Assembly, the business community of New York and those who composed official letters of support to the initiative of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Liturgy ended with the glorification to St. Tikhon and the polychronion to His Holiness Patriarch Kyrill, the authorities of New York and all those who labored for the good of the Holy Church. "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA serve funeral for newly-reposed Archpriest John Kassatkin On Monday, October 10, the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA bade farewell to one her senior-most clerics, Archpriest John Kassatkin who reposed in the Lord on October 6. On Sunday evening, October 9, the dean of the Eastern States, Priest Julian Ryabtsev served the Funeral Rite for a Priest co-served by clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes and other local jurisdictions. The church was filled with faithful who wished to raise up their prayers for their departed pastor. On Monday morning, the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archpriest George Konyev celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Elevation of the Cross Church in Hackettstown, NJ co-served by Archpriest Basil Micek (rector of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Scranton, PA), Archpriest Michael Lepa (parish administrator of St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes Barre, PA), Archpriest John Vass (dean of the Atlantic States), Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov; dean of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City), Archpriest Igor Tarasov (rector of St. George Church in Bayside, NY), Priest Julian Ryabtsev (dean of the Eastern States), Priest Andrew Massey (parish rector) and Priest Nicholas DeGraaff (cleric of Three Saints Church in Garfield, NJ). Singing at the Divine Liturgy was a combined choir of choristers from Three Saints Church in Garfield, NJ and the parish, under the direction of Rdr. George Konyev. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a memorial litiya was served, after which the body of the newly-reposed Archpriest John was brought in procession around the church which he had served for almost forty years, with the singing of the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete. Archpriest John was interred in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Saddle Brook, NJ amongst other departed priests of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
Liturgical Calendar 
 
2022 October
  • Sunday October 16th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Monthly Pankihida/Parastas after
  • Sunday October 23rd Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday October 30th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, thus a Moleben was served on Sunday September 11th for students and teachers as they begin their academic studies. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links:   
  • Uncovering of the relics of Saint Gurias, first Archbishop of Kazan, and Saint Barsanuphius, Bishop of Tver Commemorated October 04 / October 17 The Uncovering of the relics of Saint Gurias, First Archbishop of Kazan, and Saint Barsanuphius, Bishop of Tver, occurred at Kazan in the year 1595. During the construction of a new stone church in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord at the Savior-Transfiguration monastery, which had been founded by Saint Barsanuphius, graves with the bodies of the holy hierarchs in the altar-wall were uncovered beneath the former wooden (read more by clicking link)
  • Hieromartyr Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens Commemorated October 04 / October 17  Hieromartyr Hierotheus, the first Bishop of Athens, was a member of the Athenian Areopagos and was converted to Christ by the Apostle Paul together with Saint  (read more by clicking link)
  • Synaxis of the Hierarchs of Moscow Commemorated October 05 / October 18 The celebration of a special Feast Day to honor Saints Peter, Alexis, and Jonah, Metropolitans and Wonderworkers of All Russia, was established by Patriarch Job on October 5, 1596. In 1875, Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow, proposed that Saint Philip be included with the others. Saint Ermogénes was added in the year 1913. Just as the Three Hierarchs Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom have their individual Feast Days, they are also commemorated together on (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyr Charitίnē of Amisós Commemorated October 05 / October 18 Saint Charitίnē was from Amisós in Pontus and lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305). Orphaned at a young age, she became the servant of a noble Roman Christian named Claudianus, or Claudius, who brought her up as his own daughter. The young girl was very pretty, sensible, and kind. She imparted her love for Christ to others, and brought many to the path of salvation. Saint Charitίnē was meek, humble, obedient and (read more by clicking link)
  • Holy, Glorious Apostle Thomas Commemorated October 06 / October 19 The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas was born in the Galilean city of Pansada and was a fisherman. Hearing the good tidings of Jesus Christ, he left all and followed after Him. The Apostle Thomas is included in the number of the holy Twelve Apostles of the Savior. According to Holy Scripture, the holy Apostle Thomas did not believe the reports of the other disciples about the  (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in Syria Commemorated October 07 / October 20 The Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in Syria were appointed to high positions in the army by the emperor Maximian (284-305), who did not know that they were Christians. Envious people informed Maximian that his two trusted counsellors did not honor the pagan gods. This was considered to be a crime against the  (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Pelagia the Penitent Commemorated October 08 / October 21 Saint Pelagia the Penitent was converted to Christianity by Saint Nonnus, Bishop of Edessa (Saturday of Cheesefare Week). Before her acceptance of Christianity through Baptism, Pelagia was head of a dance troupe in Palestinian Antioch, living a life of frivolity and prostitution. One day Pelagia, elegantly dressed, was making her way past a church where Saint Nonnus was preaching a sermon. Believers turned  (read more by clicking link)
  • Apostle James, son of Alphaeus Commemorated October 09 / October 22 Holy Apostle James the son of Alphaeus one of the Twelve Apostles, was the brother of the holy Evangelist Matthew. He heard the Lord’s words and witnessed His miracles. After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle James Alphaeus and the Apostle Andrew the First-Called (November 30), made missionary journeys preaching in Judea, Edessa, Gaza, Eleutheropolis, proclaiming the Gospel, healing all sorts of sickness and disease, and converting many to the path of  (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2022/2023
  • October 16th
  • November 20th
  • December 18th
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). A of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Fall Harvest Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones
 
 
October 2, 2022

Sunday Bulletin - October 2, 2022
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Sunday after the Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Creating Cross of the Lord
General Confession – 9:30 a.m. - Divine Liturgy– 10:00 a.m.
 
Commemorated September 27 / September 14 Troparion, O Lord, save Your people, / and bless Your inheritance. / Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians / over their adversaries. / And by virtue of Your Cross, / preserve Your habitation.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List:Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Jeffrey (Poedubicky), Frank (Krewda), Anne (Kobasa), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Shiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, October 2nd Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of: 
Ann (Kobasa) 
Gail and Gregory (Shast) by Sokoluk Family
Denise (Rutherford) on her birthday by Alexei, Amelia and Lucia
Daniel (Vogel) on his birthday by Sunny Vera Lawrence
Jacob (Vogel) on his birthday by Sunny Vera Lawrence
Kathryn (Vogel) on her birthday by Sunny Vera Lawrence
Deborah and Nicholas (Reeves) on their anniversary by Sunny Vera Lawrence
 
For Memory of Departed servants:   
Newly departed +Metropolitan Hilarion 
Newly departed +Metropolitan Herman
Newly departed +Ian (Mellanby) on his passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Madeline (Popelak) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Helen (Yurkow) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Olga and +John (Candelori) on her birthday
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Katherine (Shelby) on anniversary of her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Mary (Hrynick) by Sunny Vera Lawrence 
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of servant of God, +Katherine (Shelby), on anniversary of her passing into eternal life, by Sokoluk Family, Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone VII By Thy Cross, Thou didst destroy death! / To the thief, Thou didst open Paradise! / For the myrrhbearers, Thou didst change weeping into joy! / And Thou didst command Thy disciples, O Christ God, / to proclaim that Thou art risen, / granting the world great mercy!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Since you are the treasure of our resurrection, / we put our hope in you, O all-praised one. / Lead us from the abyss of transgressions, / for you have saved those guilty of sin, / O evervirgin Mother of our salvation.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, The dominion of death / can no longer hold men captive, / for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers! / Hell is bound, while the prophets rejoice and cry: /”The Savior has come to those in faith! / Enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!
 
EPISTLE 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1-10 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 25:14-30 For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours. But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
 
EPISTLE GALATIANS 2:16-20 (SUNDAY AFTER THE UNIVERSAL ELEVATION) knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 
 
GOSPEL MARK 8:34-9:1 (SUNDAY AFTER THE UNIVERSAL ELEVATION) When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power."
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
Liturgical Calendar
 
2022 October
  • Sunday October 2nd Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday October 9th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday October 16th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Monthly Pankihida/Parastas after
  • Sunday October 23rd Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services are upstairs in the Church proper.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, thus a Moleben was served on Sunday September 11th for students and teachers as they begin their academic studies. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Registration remains open until October 1st. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links: 
  • Saint Theodore, Prince of Smolensk and Yaroslav, and his sons Saints David and Constantine Commemorated September 19 / October 02 The holy right-believing Prince Theodore of Smolensk and Yaroslavl, nicknamed the “Black” [i.e. “dark” or “swarthy”], was born at a terrible time for Rus: the Mongol invasion of 1237-1239. At Baptism he was named for the holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates (February 8), who was particularly esteemed by the Russian warrior-princes. Prince Theodore was famed for his military exploits. The child Theodore was not in the city when, through the (read more by clicking link)
  • Greatmartyr Eustáthios Placidas, with his wife and children, of Rome Commemorated September 20 / October 03 Before his Baptism, the Holy Great Martyr Eustáthios was named Plakidas (Πλακίδας). He was a Roman General in the reigns of Emperors Titus (79-81) and Trajan (98-117). Even before he came to know Christ, Plakidas devoted himself to charitable endeavors, helping the poor and destitute. Therefore, the Lord did not allow this virtuous pagan to continue in the darkness of idolatry. One day, while hunting in a forest, he saw a remarkable (read more by clicking link)
  • Holy Martyr and Confessor Michael and his councilor, Theodore, Wonderworkers of Chernigov Commemorated September 20 / October 03 The Holy Prince Michael of Chernigov, son of Vsevolod Ol’govich the Dark-Red (+ 1212), was noted from childhood for his piety and mildness. His health was very poor, but in 1186, trusting in the mercy of God, the young prince asked for the holy prayers of Saint Nikḗtas the Stylite of Pereyaslavl (May 24), who during these years received renown by his prayerful intercession before the Lord. After he received a wooden staff from the holy ascetic, the prince was healed at once. In 1223 Prince Michael took part in (read more by clicking link)
  • Uncovering of the relics of Saint Demetrius (Dmitri), Metropolitan of Rostov Commemorated September 21 / October 04 In 1702, Saint Demetrios, Metropolitan of Rostov, arrived at the Rostov cathedral and also visited the monastery of Saint James, Bishop of Rostov (November 27 and May 23). He served the Divine Liturgy at the cathedral church of the Conception of the Most Holy Theotokos, after which he indicated to those present the site of his future burial on the right side of the temple. “Behold my (read more by clicking link)
  • Prophet Jonah Commemorated September 22 / October 05 The Holy Prophet Jonah lived in the eighth century before the birth of Christ and was a successor of the Prophet Elisha. The Book of the Prophet Jonah contains prophecies about the judgments on the Israelite nation, the sufferings of the Savior, the downfall of Jerusalem, and the end of the world. Besides the prophecies, the Book of Jonah relates how he was sent to the Ninevites (read more by clicking link)
  • Conception of the Honorable Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John Commemorated September 23 / October 06 The holy Prophet Malachi prophesied that before the Messiah’s birth His Forerunner would appear, and would indicate His coming. The Jews therefore in awaiting the Messiah also awaited the appearance of His Forerunner. In a city of the hills of Judea in the land of Palestine lived the righteous priest Saint Zachariah and his wife Saint Elizabeth, zealously observing the (read more by clicking link)
  • Protomartyr and Equal of the Apostles Thekla Commemorated September 24 / October 07 The Holy Protomartyr and Equal of the Apostles Thekla was born in the city of Iconium. She was the daughter of rich and illustrious parents, and she was distinguished by extraordinary beauty. At eighteen years of age they betrothed her to an eminent youth. But after she heard the preaching of the holy Apostle Paul about the Savior, Saint Thekla with all her heart came to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and she steadfastly resolved not to enter (read more by clicking link)
  • Repose of Venerable Sergius the Wonderworker, Abbot of Radonezh Commemorated September 25 / October 08 Saint Sergius of Radonezh was born in the village of Varnitsa, near Rostov, on May 3, 1314. His parents were the pious and illustrious nobles Cyril and Maria (September 28). The Lord chose him while still in his mother’s womb. In the Life of Saint Sergius it is reported that even before the birth of her son, Saint Maria and those praying heard the thrice-repeated cry of the infant at the Divine Liturgy: before the reading of (read more by clicking link)
 
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2022/2023
  • October 16th
  • November 20th
  • December 18th
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). A of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Fall Harvest Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones
25 September 2022

Sunday Bulletin - September 25, 2022
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
Sunday before the Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Creating Cross of the Lord
General Confession – 9:30 a.m. - Divine Liturgy– 10:00 a.m.
 
 
Apodosis of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Commemorated September 25 / September 12 
Your Nativity, O Virgin, / has proclaimed joy to the whole universe! / The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, / has shone from You, O Theotokos! / By annulling the curse, / He bestowed a blessing. / By destroying death, He has granted us eternal Life
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List:Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Jeffrey (Poedubicky), Frank (Krewda), Anne (Kobasa), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Shiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, September 25th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of: 
Ann (Kobasa) 
Gail and Gregory (Shast) on their anniversary by Sokoluk Family
Alexei (Sokoluk) on his birthday by Amelia and Lucia
Tatiana (Sokoluk Porch) on her birthday by Amelia, Lucia and Alexei
Daniel (Vogel) on his birthday by Sunny Vera Lawrence
Jacob (Vogel) on his birthday by Sunny Vera Lawrence
Kathryn (Vogel) on her birthday by Sunny Vera Lawrence
Deborah and Nicholas (Reeves) on their anniversary by Sunny Vera Lawrence
 
For Memory of Departed servants:   
Newly departed +Metropolitan Hilarion 
Newly departed +Metropolitan Herman
+Archpriest Vincent (Saverino) on anniversary of his passing by SaverinoFamily
+Carol Irene (Kauriga) on her birthday by Kauriga Family
Newly departed +Madeline (Popelak) on 40th day of her passing into eternal life by Peter Popelak
Newly departed +Helen (Yurkow) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Olga and +John (Candelori) on her birthday by Goddaughter Tatiana Sokoluk Porch
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Mary (Hrynick) by Sunny Vera Lawrence 
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of servant of God, +Madeline Popelak, on the 40th day of her passing into eternal life, Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!
 
3rd Sunday Monthly Panikhida/Parastas offered today for the soul of +Madeline (Popelak) on her 40th day offered by Peter Popelak, and souls +newly departed & departed servants of God, offered by Justine Paul & Family; Justine & Greg; Stephen Nasobkow; Sokoluk Family; Staso Family; Peleszak Family; Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat!
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone VI The angelic powers were at Thy tomb; / the guards became as dead men. / Mary stood by Thy grave, / seeking Thy most pure Body. / Thou didst capture hell, / not being tempted by it. / Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life. / O Lord, Who didst rise from the dead: glory to Thee!
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Thou Who didst call Thy mother blessed / came of Thine own will to the passion. / Shining on the cross, desiring to recall Adam, Thou didst say to the angels: / "Rejoice with Me, for the lost coin has been found." / Thou Who hast ordered all things in wisdom, / O our God, glory to Thee! (1x) Blessed be the name of the Lord, henceforth and forever more.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, When Christ God, the Giver of Life, / raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand, / He bestowed resurrection on the human race. / He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.
 
Troparion of the Feast Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos,/ hath proclaimed joy to all the world;/ for from thee hath shone forth Christ our God,/ the Sun of righteousness,/ Who hav­ing annulled the curse,/ hath given His blessing,// and having abolished death, hath granted us life everlasting
 
Kontakion of the Feast In thy holy nativity, O all-pure one, / Joachim and Anna are freed from the reproach of childlessness, / and Adam and Eve from mortal corruption. / And, delivered from sin, thy people celebrate it, crying out to thee:// A barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life!
 
EPISTLE 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6-15  For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed- always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you. And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 22:35-46 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David." He said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying: The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"'? If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his Son? And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore. 
 
EPISTLE PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 (THEOTOKOS) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
 
GOSPEL LUKE 10:38-42; 11:27-28 (THEOTOKOS) Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!" But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
 
EPISTLE GALATIANS 6:11-18 (SUNDAY BEFORE THE UNIVERSAL ELEVATION) See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. 
 
GOSPEL JOHN 3:13-17 (SUNDAY BEFORE THE UNIVERSAL ELEVATION) No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.  And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
Liturgical Calendar
 
2022 September/October
  • Sunday September 25th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior,Monthly Pankihida/Parastas after
  • Tuesday September 27th Feast of Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Fast Day
  • Sunday October 2nd Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Sunday October 9th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
 
On Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, services remain downstairs in hall chapel until further notice.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, thus a Moleben was served on Sunday September 11th for students and teachers as they begin their academic studies. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Registration remains open until October 1st. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links: 
  • Hieromartyr Autonomus, Bishop in Italy Commemorated September 12 / September 25 The Hieromartyr Autonomus was a bishop in Italy. During the time of the persecution against Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305), Saint Autonomus left his own country and resettled in Bithynia, in the locality of Soreus with a man named Cornelius. Saint Autonomus did his apostolic duty with zeal and converted to Christ so many pagans, that a large Church was formed, for which he consecrated a temple in (read more by clicking link)
  • Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem Commemorated September 13 / September 26 The Dedication of the Temple of the Resurrection of Christ at Jerusalem celebrates the dedication of the Church of the Resurrection, built by Saint Constantine the Great and his mother, the empress Helen. After the voluntary Passion and Death on the Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the holy place of His suffering was long trampled on by pagans. When the Roman emperor Titus conquered Jerusalem in the (read more by clicking link)
  • Repose of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople Commemorated September 14 / September 27 Saint John Chrysostom died on September 14, 407, but because of the feast of the Exaltation of the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord, the commemoration of the saint was transferred (read more by clicking link)
  • Greatmartyr Nikḗtas the Goth Commemorated September 15 / September 28 The Holy Great Martyr Nikḗtas was a Goth (a Germanic tribe). He was born and lived on the banks of the Danube River, suffering for Christ in the year 372. The Christian Faith was already spreading throughout the territory of the Goths at that time. Saint Nikḗtas believed in Christ and was baptized by the Gothic (read more by clicking link)
  • Great Martyr Euphēmia the All-praised Commemorated September 16 / September 29 The Holy Great Martyr Euphēmia (Ευφημία) was the daughter of Christian parents, the senator Philophronos and his wife Theodosia. She suffered for Christ in the year 304 in the city of Chalcedon, on the Bosphorus opposite Constantinople, the Queen of Cities. Priscus, the Proconsul of Chalcedon, issued a decree which required all the inhabitants of  (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyr Sophia and her three daughters at Rome Commemorated September 17 / September 30 The Holy Martyrs Saint Sophia and her Daughters Faith, Hope and Love were born in Italy. Their mother was a pious Christian widow who named her daughters for the three Christian virtues. Faith was twelve, Hope was ten, and Love was nine. Saint Sophia raised them in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Saint Sophia and her daughters did not hide their faith in Christ, but openly confessed it before everyone. An official named Antiochus denounced them to  (read more by clicking link)
  • Saint Eumenius, Bishop of Gortyna Commemorated September 18 / October 01 Saint Eumenius from the time of his youth was noted for his virtuous life. He strove to serve the One God and therefore he shunned worldly temptations. Concerned for the salvation of his soul, he distributed all his substance to the poor. By the blessing of God Saint Eumenius was chosen as Bishop of Gortyna on the island of Crete. The saint, like a compassionate father, comforted his flock in their  (read more by clicking link)
 
News released by The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
 
NEW YORK CITY: BISHOP NICHOLAS OF MANHATTAN ELECTED FIRST HIERARCH OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OUTSIDE OF RUSSIA On Tuesday, 13 September, the election of His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, as the new First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia by its Council of Bishops took place. In accordance with the Act of Canonical Communion, signed on May 17, 2007, the Council will send the Act of Election, drafted by the vote-counting committee, to His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, with a request to bless the electee to assume the duties of the First Hierarch entrusted to him by his brother-archpastors, and for confirmation of the election by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. The rite of enthronement of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, newly elected First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, will take place on Sunday, September 18. 
 
Schedule of Divine Services for the Enthronement of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad: Saturday, September 17 ‒ All-Night vigil in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign at 6:00 PM. At the end of the service, the newly elected Primate will emerge through the Royal Doors in a black klobuk and common bishop’s mantle and face the congregation. Two senior hierarchs will then present a white klobuk and blue mantle, which the newly elected First Hierarch will don, aided by subdeacons. At this moment, the senior-most hierarch will announce "Axios" ("he is worthy") which will be repeated first by the bishops then by the choir. After this, the Primate will bless the clergy and congregants. Before this, the blue mantle and white klobuk will be blessed with holy water by the senior-most hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad during the reading of the First Hour.
 
Sunday, September 18 ‒ Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral at 9:30 AM. After the reading of the entrance prayers and the customary vesting of the two senior hierarchs, the new Metropolitan will be escorted to the vesting area, when "Axios" will be repeated by the hierarchs and clergy, then by the choir. Divine Liturgy will commence in the customary manner. After the service, a moleben will be performed along with the entrusting of the archpastoral staff to the new Primate, which was blessed on the crypt of the Holy Hierarch Tikhon, Patriarch and Confessor of All Russia. Eastern American Diocese | Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia https://www.eadiocese.org
 
Prayers & Offerings
 
The Blessing of Graves 
If you are interested in having grave visitation at Oakland or a different cemetery, Fr. Luka is available. Please speak with Fr. Luka to make special arrangements.
 
The Blessing of Travelers
If you are leaving soon to travel away from home, please speak with Fr Luka to receive a blessing. 
 
The Blessing of Houses 
The priest comes to the home because he wants God's blessing to be upon it, and to know those in his flock better and to be available to them. Invite Fr. Luka to your home for a visit. A house can be blessed at any time. Please speak with Fr. Luka at 215-627-6148 to make special arrangements, or by emailing the office@saintmichaelsroc.org (House Blessings: 10 Things, http://www.orthodox.net/10things/theophany-house-blessings.html
 
Choir members needed – Our church choir could use some new members! If you like to sing, consider joining our choir. It is a rewarding way to use your voice to praise God. Please talk to our interim choir director to see if our choir is the place for you.  
 
Departed Servants of God Remembered / Praying for our Loved Ones
Throughout the church year, especially during Great Lent, there are special times to remember your loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. On Soul Saturdays, Liturgy is served with a special memorial service for souls now departed from this life. Those names are read at the Litany for the Departed.  All of the names of the departed submitted are read at services automatically, throughout the year, including the monthly group commemoration of the dead service, Panikhida/Parastas. 
 
Monthly Panikhida Dates for 2022/2023
  • September 25th
  • October 16th
  • November 20th
  • December 18th
  • January 15th 2023
  • February 19th 2023
 
Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat! Departed Servants of God Remembered are offered by family and friends: Sandra Compo; Stephen Nasobkow; Justine Paul and Family, Justine and Gregory; Peleszak Family; Sokoluk Family; Saverino Family; Novakovic Family; Yankovoy Family; Yuschak Family; Yurkow/Pauluch/Kaczmarczik Family; Winsky Family; Veres Family; Sumilas Family; Storey Family; Staso Family; Smarkola Family; Sevast Family; James Patrick Family; Patrick/Weber Family; Mlynar Family; Kuzmich-Lawrence Family; Kunasz Family; Kobasa/Puglia Family; Kobasa/Bergantz Family; Kauriga Family; Ervin/Taylor Family; Compo-Pratt Family; Carlin Family; Candelori Family; Marlene Blaskevitch; Sidorsky/Barth Family; Melnick Family
 
Commemoration, Prayer and Service requests are being accepted through the mail. Please clearly state the preferred date(s) for service(s) and name(s) of person(s) to be prayed for and specify for health or departed, Health: Proskomedia - during the litany of mercy, life, peace, health, and visitation. For those that have passed: (specify newly departed, or in memory of) Proskomedia Litany for the departed Panikhida. Thank you. 
 
Candle Requests, we will light candles in your absence at Divine Services. Please submit by mailing your requests to the church address. Donations gladly accepted by check. Please earmark on memo line: "candles." All requests will be honored at Divine Liturgy on Sundays. 
A. 7-day vigils $4.00
B. Beeswax Regular $2.00 
C. Beeswax Thin Taper $1.00
D. Tea Lights  .50 cents 
 
Sponsors needed - Fresh Flowers on the tetrapod and altar – We would welcome sponsors for the fresh flowers on the tetrapod and altar. Donations help to defray the costs. Remember your loved ones by flowers “in memory of” or “in honor of” or donate just so we can beautify our church. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Weekly Bulletin: Sponsors are welcome to help defray the costs of printing the weekly bulletin. We share the bulletin digitally, however, the paper version is appreciated by many. A hardcopy is important for those who are not tech-savvy, which is why we print and mail to those parishioners to keep them informed and connected. Donations are graciously accepted "in memory of/ in honor of" individuals/families. Please contact Ken Koscinski with any questions about the process. Thank you. 
 
 
Fundraisers
 
Amazon Smile – and Giant Gift Cards – Two good ways to support the church all through the year – first, when you shop online on Amazon – remember to choose St Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia – at smile.amazon.com. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to our church. For details on the Amazonsmile program see Ed Veres. And Giant and Shoprite gift cards are available all year round – We have an existing fundraising program where for the amount you spend at these supermarket chains, they will return a portion of your total sales to the church directly. Details upon request in the office. 
 
 
Administration
 
Cards for your Wallet – Parishioners can get a “I am an Orthodox Christian” card to keep in your wallet. Pick one up in the office.  This is good to have in case of emergencies to let people know your religious affiliation. They were donated by Tatiana Saverino Sarris from a suggestion by Marlene Blaskevitch. Thank you to our parishioners!
 
2022 Membership Dues - are being accepted in the office on Sundays, or by mailing a check to the church address. Individual adult is $75 and Family $150 (adult(s) and children). A of $50 per adult is sent onto the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA and a general donation of $25 remains in the parish. If you require further assistance, please contact office@saintmichaelsroc.org
 
2022 Church Calendars and 2022 Envelopes – 2022 church calendars and envelopes are now available. Pick them up in the church vestibule. Thank you Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home for sponsoring the calendar.
 
Sunday Parking, please remember these helpful tips for parking in church lots, while attending services: 
  • Respect the available parking spaces for others; please do not leave open space between vehicles.
  • Front Small Lot is "bumper to bumper" parking. Pull completely forward when using this small lot; it is necessary to maximize its capacity.
  • Handicap Parking is available on the street "from driveway to driveway" in front of the Church on Fairmount Avenue by the city, on Sunday Only from 8AM to 4PM (limit of four hours); must have Department of Transportation/Medical Placard displayed properly.
  • On-street parking for 300 block of Fairmount Avenue is Residential Parking Permit, which means there is a 2-hour time limit for non residents. Please be advised to read all signs when parking on the streets. 
  • If you plan to leave early, please consider parking on the street; or expect to ask others to move their vehicle. 
  • Church Placard, please use & make it visible on dashboard; this helps identify cars easily by office staff.
  • Overall, please be considerate. If you have to ask someone to move or you have to move your vehicle for others to exit, please be kind and helpful.  Thank you. 
 
Update Contact Information, Please send an email to office@saintmichaelsroc.org with any updates to your address, phone number(s), email address(es) and/or preferred methods of communication for you and/or your family. 
 
Friendly Reminder, Add address, FROM <saintmichaelroc@gmail.com> to your contacts list in order for you to help these parish emails arrive directly to your inbox. Without notice, emails may be delivered into your Spam folder, so please check. Adjustments to your settings and/or filters may also be helpful. 
 
 
Community & Caring
 
Philabundance – is the focus of our Sunday School Children’s charity drive during the upcoming Fall Harvest Season – Drop your non perishable food donations in our church hall. The Items you donate will be sent to shelters, food pantries, and after school feeding programs within our region. Donated food should be in boxes, cans, or plastic bottles and do not require refrigeration. Bread and baked goods are not good because of their shelf life. Requested Items include – canned fish, canned meats, canned stew chili, juice, breakfast cereal oatmeal, peanut butter among other items. Let’s support this important charity! 
 
 
Important Reminders
 
URGENT UPDATES: In the event of important news, information will be shared via parish Facebook page, email and parish website. Please remember to keep those who may not have email or internet service, up-to-date on advisories. If you have any doubts, call the church. Thank you.
 
Masks are Optional -The city of Philadelphia has lifted the indoor mask mandate therefore, masks are optional. Hand washing and hand sanitizer is available and it’s always good to be mindful of others personal space.
 
Live streaming of services from St. Michael the Archangel: Please visit our Facebook page (link at the bottom of this email) or navigate through our website to view streaming on Facebook. There is a small icon "f" on the upper right hand corner page of the homepage of our website. To view, Facebook membership is not required, to our understanding. In the event of technical difficulties, please note that services are also streamed by our dean, Fr. John Vass of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church www.youtube.com/user/HolyTrinitySermons 
 
How to participate in Divine Services at home?  What do you need? To fully participate in the Divine Services, undivided attention is most important. Prepare yourself as if you are leaving to attend in person by dressing for church. In front of you, place an icon (if you are not in the presence of your icon corner); a candle (safely, in a glass votive holder or lampada & never leave unattended); incense (safely, in an approved home censer & never leave unattended); Stand, sit, make the sign of the cross, bow and respond reverently as if you are present inside the church; May God hear your prayers as well as ours, together, as we lift our hearts and voices to the Lord our God. If you have properly kept Holy Water in your home, a drink from the cup will help nourish the soul and body. 
 
 
Thank you  
 
Thank you! Every week for the entire year there are 7-day vigil candles lit for the Large Lampada hanging above the Royal Doors; the two Lamps on the Tetrapod, and the two Lamps on the Confession Table. Thanks to the three individual families who are sponsoring these vigils for the year of 2022, in memory of their departed loved ones
 
18 September 2022

Sunday Bulletin - September 18, 2022
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 
General Confession – 9:30 a.m. - Divine Liturgy– 10:00 a.m.
 
 
Commemorated September 18 / September 05 
 
  The Holy Prophet Zachariah and the Righteous Elizabeth were the parents of the holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, John. They were descended from the lineage of Aaron: Saint Zachariah, son of Barach, was a priest in the Jerusalem Temple, and Saint Elizabeth was the sister of Saint Anna, the mother of the Most Holy Theotokos.
 
Spraznikom!
 
Prayer List: Archpriest Victor (Potapov), Priest Anthony, Hieromonk Savvaty, Hieromonk Sylvester, Abbot Tikhon, Mother Raphaela, Reader Samuel, Matushka Bridget, Nadine (Schmidt), Shirley (Blessing), Joel and Johanna (Patrick), Jeffrey (Poedubicky), Frank (Krewda), Anne (Kobasa), Arleen (Pauluch), James (Chafin), Elaine (Walsh), Joan (Sarchese), Sunny Vera (Lawrence), Lyubov (Pavuk), Janet (Grzybowski), Lisa (Shiede), Steve (Collinelli), Paul (Kauriga), Karen (Zukowsky), Elynore (Whelan), Daria (Champion), Ameila (Sokoluk), Lucia (Sokoluk), Christopher (Patrick), Lorraine (Guglielmi), Elias (R. Guglielmi) Michael (Champion), Roman (Ron Vroon), Justine (Paul)
 
Sunday, September 18th Divine Liturgy offered:
For the Health of: 
Gail and Gregory (Shast) by Sokoluk Family
Daniel (Vogel) on his birthday by Sunny Vera Lawrence
Jacob (Vogel) on his birthday by Sunny Vera Lawrence
Kathryn (Vogel) on her birthday by Sunny Vera Lawrence
Deborah and Nicholas (Reeves) on their anniversary by Sunny Vera Lawrence
 
For Memory of Departed servants:   
Newly departed +Metropolitan Hilarion 
Newly departed +Metropolitan Herman
Newly departed +Madeline (Popelak) on 40th day of her passing into eternal life by Peter Popelak
Newly departed +Helen (Yurkow) on her passing into eternal life
Newly departed +Olga and +John (Candelori) on their passing into eternal life 
Newly departed +Julianna (Sokoluk) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
Newly departed +Rose Marie (Staso) on her passing into eternal life by Sokoluk Family
+Mary (Hrynick) by Sunny Vera Lawrence 
+Gilbert (Read) by Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Starr
 
Flowers on the tetrapod and on the altar are in memory of servant of God, +Madeline Popelak, on the 40th day of her passing into eternal life, Vechnaya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!
 
Troparion of the Sunday, Tone V Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, / Co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, / born for our salvation from the Virgin, / for He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, / to endure death / and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.
 
Hymn to the Theotokos, Rejoice, O impassable gate of the Lord! / Rejoice, O wall and protection of those who run to you! / Rejoice, O unshakable refuge! / Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of your God and Creator! / Do not cease praying for those who praise you and worship your Son. (1x) Blessed be the name of the Lord, henceforth and forever more.
 
Kontakion of the Sunday, Thou didst descend into hell, O my Savior, / shattering its gates as almighty; / resurrecting the dead as Creator, / and destroying the sting of death. / Thou hast delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Man, / and we all cry to Thee: "O Lord, save us!"
 
Troparion of Holy Prophet Zachariah In the vesture of a priest, according to the Law of God,/ thou didst offer unto Him well-pleasing whole-burnt offerings,/ as it befitted a priest, O wise Zacharias./ Thou wast a shining light, a seer of mysteries,/ bearing in thyself clearly the signs of grace;/ and in God's temple, O wise Prophet of Christ God, thou wast slain with the sword.// Hence, with the Forerunner, make entreaty that our souls find salvation.
 
Kontakion On this day Zacharias, the prophet and venerable priest of the Most High,/ the father of the Forerunner,/ setteth the table of his memorial, feeding the faithful;/ for he hath distributed the food of righteousness unto all.// Wherefore, he hath reposed as a divine initiate of the mysteries of the grace of God.
 
EPISTLE 2 CORINTHIANS 1:21-2:4 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand. But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me? And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. 
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 22:1-14  And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding." ' But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 'Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen. 
 
EPISLTE HEBREWS 6:13-20 (PROPHET)  For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
 
GOSPEL MATTHEW 23:29-29 (PROPHET)  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, and say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.' Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' guilt. Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Let us continue to fervently pray for the protection and well being of the people of Ukraine, for the immediate cessation of all military action and hostilities and for the complete restoration of peace. Let us always remember that, first and foremost, we are Orthodox Christians. And our Holy Orthodox Church, throughout history, has united Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and people of all ethnicities into the one, true, Orthodox faith. We are brothers and sisters regardless of borders!
 
Ukrainian Refuge Relief - Our parish is collecting funds to help the Ukrainian people who are suffering in Eastern Europe - please consider donating to help the refugees as they will need help for much time to come. You can donate with a check or cash in the office, or see Elijah Williams who is heading up this charitable project.
 
Back to Pre-Covid ways – We are on our way back to our days before COVID! Social activities have resumed and all are welcome!  We have resumed passing the basket so please remember that your donations keep our church going – please be as generous as you can! We thank you in advance for your generosity.
 
Coffee Hour Help Needed We are happy to announce that Coffee Hour is now being offered in the church hall. It has been some time and we are looking for volunteers to be hosts. Debbie Barth is leading the effort and has created a sign up calendar in the hall. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please see her. Thank you!
 
Fr. Luka has returned from his time away. Our sincere gratitude to Fr. Gregory (Winsky) for providing coverage for our parish while Fr. Luka was away. Please do not hesitate to contact Fr Luka (215) 627-6148 for any reasons, questions or concerns. Thank you.
 
Liturgical Calendar
 
2022 September
  • Sunday September 18th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior
  • Wednesday September 21st Feast of Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Fast Day (Fish Allowed)
  • Sunday September 25th Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior,Monthly Pankihida/Parastas after
  • Tuesday September 27th Feast of Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross Divine Liturgy 10AM, Reading of Hours prior, Fast Day
 
Schedule returns to Winter Hours on Sundays, Divine Liturgy will be at 10AM, beginning Sunday, September 18th; services remain downstairs in hall chapel until further notice.
 
Sunday School News A new school year is underway, thus a Moleben was served on Sunday September 11th for students and teachers as they begin their academic studies. Program welcomes youth from Pre-K through 12th Grade. Registration remains open until October 1st. Please speak with Fr Luka or Nadine Sokoluk. 
 
Commemoration of Saints
Please visit links: 
  • Martyr Athanasius, Abbot of Bretsk Commemorated September 05 / September 18 The Hieromartyr Athansius of Bretsk was Belorussian and was born in about the year 1597 into a pious Christian family named Philippovich. He received a serious upbringing, and he knew the theological and historical literature, as is evidenced in the diary of the saint, which has been preserved. In his youth, Saint Athanasius for a while was a teacher in the houses of Polish merchants. In the year 1627, he accepted tonsure under (read more by clicking link)
  • Commemoration of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael at Colossae Commemorated September 06 / September 19 In Phrygia, not far from the city of Hieropolis, in a place called Cheretopos, there was a church named for the Archangel Michael, built over a miraculous spring. This church was built by a certain inhabitant of the city of Laodicia in gratitude to God for healing his mute daughter. The holy Chief Commander Michael appeared to this man in a dream and revealed to him that his (read more by clicking link)
  • Saint John the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Novgorod Commemorated September 07 / September 20  Saint John, Archbishop of Novgorod, was born at Novgorod of the pious parents Nicholas and Christina. He passed his childhood in quiet and peaceful surroundings. After the death of their parents, John and his brother Gabriel decided to establish a small monastery in honor of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos with their (read more by clicking link)
  • The Nativity of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary Commemorated September 08 / September 21 The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary: The Most Holy Virgin Mary was born at a time when people had reached such a degree of moral decay that it seemed altogether impossible to restore them. People often said that God must come into the world to restore faith and not permit the ruin of mankind. The Son of God chose to take on human nature for the salvation of mankind, and chose as His Mother the All-Pure Virgin Mary, who alone was worthy to (read more by clicking link)
  • Holy and Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna Commemorated September 09 / September 22 Saint Joachim, the son of Barpathir, was of the tribe of Judah, and was a descendant of King David, to whom God had revealed that the Savior of the world would be born from his seed. Saint Anna was the daughter of Matthan the priest, who was of the tribe of Levi. Saint Anna’s family came from Bethlehem. The couple lived at Nazareth in Galilee. They were childless into their old age and all their life they grieved over this. They had to endure derision and scorn, since at that time childlessness was considered a disgrace. They never grumbled, but fervently prayed to (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Joseph, Abbot of Volokolamsk, Volotsk Commemorated September 09 / September 22 Saint Joseph of Volokolamsk, in the world John Sanin, was born on November 14, 1440 (1439 according to another source) in the village of Yazvisch-Pokrov, not far from the city of Volokolamsk. He was born into a pious family with his father named John (in monasticism Joannicius) and his mother Marina (in schema Maria). The seven-year-old boy John was sent to the pious and enlightened Elder Arsenius of the Volokolamsk-Exaltation of the Cross monastery to be educated. Distinguished by rare qualities and extraordinary aptitude for (read more by clicking link)
  • Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora, at Nicomedia Commemorated September 10 / September 23 The Holy Virgins Menodora, Nymphodora, and Metrodora (305-311), were sisters from Bithynia (Asia Minor). Distinguished for their special piety, they wanted to preserve their virginity and avoid worldly associations. They chose a solitary place for themselves in the wilderness and spent their lives in deeds of fasting and prayer. Reports of the holy life of the virgins soon spread, since healings of the sick began to occur through their prayers. The Bithynia region was governed at that time by a (read more by clicking link)
  • Venerable Theodora of Alexandria Commemorated September 11 / September 24 Saint Theodora of Alexandria and her husband lived in Alexandria. Love and harmony ruled in their family, and this was hateful to the Enemy of salvation. Goaded on by the devil, a certain rich man was captivated by the youthful beauty of Theodora and began with all his abilities to lead her into adultery, but for a long time he was unsuccessful. Then he bribed a woman of loose morals, who led the unassuming Theodora astray by saying that a secret sin, which the sun does not see, is  (read more by clicking link)
  • Translation of the Relics of Venerable Sergius and Herman, Wonderworkers of Valaam Commemorated September 11 / September 24 Saints Sergius and Herman settled on the island of Valaam in 1329. The brethren gathered by them spread the light of Orthodoxy in this frontier land. The Karelian people began to regard Christianity with renewed suspicion, with its authority in the fourteenth century being (read more by clicking link)
 
News released by The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
 
In Memoriam His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)
On September 6, 2022, His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko), retired Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, fell asleep in the Lord at the age of 90. He had served as Metropolitan of All America and Canada from 2002 until his retirement in 2008. May Metropolitan Herman’s memory be eternal! oca.org
 
Patriarchal Condolences on the repose of His Beatitude Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko) His Holiness Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow and All Russia expressed condolences on the death of the former Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, Metropolitan Herman (Svaiko), who reposed in the Lord on September 6, 2022. 
His Beatitude, Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada
Your Beatitude, beloved in the Lord Brother and concelebrant at the throne of God! With sorrow I received the news of the repose of the former Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, Metropolitan Herman. I express my sincere sympathy to Your Beatitude, the episcopate, the clergy and all the faithful children of Church in America in connection with this heavy loss. The reposed hierarch devoted his life to the Great and Marvelous God: for almost sixty years he was a zealous servant of the Lord's altar, of which for almost half a century in the episcopal rank. As Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, Vladyka made efforts to develop good relations with the Moscow Patriarchate and often visited our Fatherland. I will always keep warm memories of Metropolitan Herman and numerous meetings with him in my heart. The merciful Lord, who gives the dead resurrection and immortality (canon of the 5th tone on Saturday Matins), establish His faithful servant in the heavenly abode and grant him memory eternal. With condolences, +KYRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA "The Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA - www.mospatusa.com"
 
NEW YORK CITY: BISHOP NICHOLAS OF MANHATTAN ELECTED FIRST HIERARCH OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OUTSIDE OF RUSSIA On Tuesday, 13 September, the election of His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, as the new First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia by its Council of Bishops took place. In accordance with the Act of Canonical Communion, signed on May 17, 2007, the Council will send the Act of Election, drafted by the vote-counting committee, to His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, with a request to bless the electee to assume the duties of the First Hierarch entrusted to him by his brother-archpastors, and for confirmation of the election by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. The rite of enthronement of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, newly elected First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, will take place on Sunday, September 18. 
 
Schedule of Divine Services for the Enthronement of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad: Saturday, September 17 ‒ All-Night vigil in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign at 6:00 PM. At the end of the service, the newly elected Primate will emerge through the Royal Doors in a black klobuk and common bishop’s mantle and face the congregation. Two senior hierarchs will then present a white klobuk and blue mantle, which the newly elected First Hierarch will don, aided by subdeacons. At this moment, the senior-most hierarch will announce "Axios" ("he is worthy") which will be repeated first by the bishops then by the choir. After this, the Primate will bless the clergy and congregants. Before this, the blue mantle and white klobuk will be blessed with holy water by the senior-most hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad during the reading of the First Hour.