St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Carmichaels - Bulletin 598

St. George
Serbian Orthodox Church
Carmichaels, PA

Bulletin 598 - June 21 / July 4, 2010

Chronicle of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church
Diocesan Bishop - His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN
Parish Priest - Fr. Rodney Torbic
296 Old Route 21
Carmichaels, Pennsylvania 15320
June 21 / July 4, 2010
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
No. 598

Remember to listen to the parish radio broadcast each Sunday afternoon at 12:15 on WMBS, 590 AM, Uniontown.

Colossians 2:5

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Recent Services

June 23: Ninth Hour and Vespers were read.
June 24: One person was present for Matins and First Hour.; One person came for Akathist to the Holy Spirit, Akathist to the Dormition of the Mother of God and Akathist to St. Nicholas.
June 25: Matins and First Hour were read.; Ninth Hour and Vespers were read.
June 26: One person came for reading of Matins and First Hour to St. George Church.; Ten people came to Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Fairmont for Divine Liturgy. One communicant.; Ninth Hour and Vespers were read at St. George Church.
June 27: One person for reading of Matins and First Hour.; Twenty-four people came for Divine Liturgy. Two communicants.
June 28: One person came for reading of Matins and First Hour.; Two people came for Divine Liturgy.
June 29: One person came for reading of Matins and First Hour.; Two people came for Akathist to Jesus Christ.
June 30: One person came for reading of Matins and First Hour.; Ninth Hour and Vespers were read.
July 1: One person came for reading of Matins and First Hour.; Ninth Hour and Vespers were read.
July 2: Matins and First Hour were read.

Services This Coming Week - Always Call to Confirm Weekday Schedule

Today: Matins and First Hour. Third and Sixth Hour followed by Divine Liturgy.
Mornings: 5:30 AM Matins and First Hour on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Friday.
Afternoons: Monday, Wednesday at 4:00 PM.
Tuesday: 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, Fairmont.; 4:00 PM Ninth Hour and Vespers.; Akathist to St. John the Baptist followed by Adult Class at 7:00 PM.
Next Sunday (July 11): Divine Liturgy will begin at 10:00 AM.

Akathists and special prayers can be scheduled conveniently during the week on request.

Remember Monastery Marcha with Prayers and Contributions

Important Dates
July 7 - Birth of St. John the Baptist
July 12 - Sts. Peter and Paul
July 25 - St. George Parish Outdoor Religious Program and Picnic
July 26 - Synaxis of St. Archangel Gabriel

If you are too busy to pray...you are too busy!

Remember the Suffering Serbian People in Kosovo and Metohijia and All Suffering People Everywhere

Parish Life

: · Thank you to all parishioners helping with and staying for the Vidovdan dinner and program.
: · If you plan to go to Shadeland for Diocese Day and Church Consecration on August 8, please advise Father Rodney. All parish churches will be closed that day.
: · Four people came to Adult Class this past Tuesday. Class again this Tuesday. We will continue with the discussion on Holy Unction.
: · Sympathy extended to the family of +Berta Decovich departed this life this week.
: · Why is it that so many mental health treatment facilities are needed in Greene, Fayette and nearby Monongalia Counties? What is causing such a great need?
: · Remember the sick, the suffering, the imprisoned, those in rehab centers, the homebound, the mentally ill, their caretakers and the institution staffs.
: · Remember the men and women serving in the military and their families.
: · Remember the workers in mines, law-enforcement, corrections, probation and parole and firefighters, all working in dangerous occupations.
: · Honor the Apostles Fast until July 12, Sts. Peter and Paul.
: · Ask Father Rodney if you have a question about Church teachings or practices.
: · Honor your Slava every year!
: · Read your Bible everyday.

A Thought from His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN

A true follower of Christ does not complain about his suffering, since he is neither the first nor the last to suffer. Each Christian should accept suffering just like the holy Apostle Paul. For the sufferings of a believer of Christ is a continuation of His sufferings(Acts 9:4) and they benefit, not only individuals, but also the entire Church, the house of God (I Tim. 3:15).

( Teaching of Saint Apostle Paul on the Church. Translated by Protopresbyter Stefan Zaremba. Sremski Karlovac 2001, p. 68. )

Remember the Students at St. Sava School of Theology, Libertyville, Illinois

To Consider

· The birth of St. John the Baptist
· St. John the Baptist remembered on Tuesdays during the year.
· St. John the Baptist's special place in the life of Christ.

Recent Activities of Parish Priest
June 24 - Went to Morgantown for printing purposes.
June 26 - Went to Holy Trinity Church in Fairmont for Divine Liturgy.
June 27 - Visited parishioner in Washington Hospital.
June 29 - Went to Morgantown for printing purpose.
June 30 - Went to two homes of parishioners.

Psalm 67/68:20

Our God is the God of salvation; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Matthew 9:1-8

So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you." And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, 'This Man blasphemes!" But Jesus, knowing their thoughts said, 'Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, "Arise and walk'? "But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins" - then He said to the paralytic, 'Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." And he arose and departed to his house. Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.

The Lord Jesus Christ empowers believers through the forgiveness of sins. The forgiveness of sins enables believers to begin anew living in ways pleasing to the Lord God. The forgiveness of sins is impetus for believers to recommit to the way of the Lord Jesus Christ and to be appreciative of the love, goodness and mercy of God. Coming to Christ for help with personal problems of any kind is an act of faith. Sinfulness affects the person in many different ways.

When sins are forgiven, the person's is healthier physically even if suffering from the most serious of illnesses. The forgiveness of sins reduces stress on the mind and body. The forgiveness of sins restores a healthier relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. When sins are forgiven the person chooses whether to live in ways pleasing to God or to resume committing further sins. Vigilance and resoluteness are necessary to remain on the path to the Kingdom of God.

The current Gospel reveals the dual natured healing of power God. Not only is the sinfulness of the man forgiven but also he is healed physically. Physically ill believers generally pray for healing and to return to good physical health. The healing of this paralytic is a basis for believers to continue to pray for healing.

Believers do well to acknowledge personal sin and repent. Personal sin is unhealthy and destructive. Individuals interested in being fully united with Christ and experiencing the optimum Christian development maintain a vigorous defense against sin and a regimen of life promoting unity with Christ. The healthy life in Christ cannot be divorced from repentance, confession and communion. The healthy life in Christ cannot be divorced from nourishment by the Holy Gospel and immersion in the Divine services of the Church. The healthy life in Christ cannot develop when hatred and discord reigns in the heart, mind and soul.

The current Gospel is read every year in the Church. Believers benefit from measuring their lives against the meaning of this Gospel. Our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the most important relationship we have. Our relationship with Christ is reflected in all personal relationships we have. We deny ourselves fullness of development if we are stagnant in our relationship with Christ. We are challenged to continue to grow in Christ throughout our lives. While our minds function well and sound decisions can be made, being united with Christ and committed to Christ is the direction we are to take.

The paralytic was helped by others to come to Jesus. Believers committed to Christ will help others in need. In some cases the way to provide this help will be obvious. In other cases it will be less obvious. Quiet intercessory prayer can help friends and neighbors without being intrusive. Volunteering personal time to help individuals in need is a more obvious Christian action. Christian help is always to be conditioned in love. Christian help is always to be conditioned with respect. At times offers to help may be declined even when a clear need exists. Individuals in need always have the right to accept or reject offers of help. The paralytic in the current Gospel had the choice to maintain a life in sin with all the understandable consequences or he could be open to the healing power of Christ and accepting of forgiveness.

Some believers have a hard time accepting forgiveness of sins. Some believers have a hard time fully accepting the goodness of God. Individuals are valued by God and created in the image and likeness of God(Gen.1:26-27). Prayer and fasting draw a person closer to God and increase sensitivity to the presence and love of God. The road to the Kingdom of God requires avoidance of sin and vigilance against sin while at the same time maintaining a welcoming heart, mind and soul to the love and presence of God. Coming to the Holy Chalice and attentively listening to the Holy Gospel are acts of love. Being prayerful and attentive in the Divine services are acts of love.

The current Gospel offers believers nourishment for the soul. Believers seriously taking the current Gospel to heart will think carefully about personal practices of Holy Confession and personal responses to God's answers of prayers. Praying to God for physical well-being brings with it the responsibility of saying thank you to God for good health. Praying to God for successful surgery and medical treatment for the self, family member or friend brings with it the responsibility to be grateful to God for the positive outcome.

Christianity is a state of action. Even to accomplish quiet contemplation, action of the brain is required to keep the body immobile and attentive. When living seriously and actively in Christ, life is constantly unfolding and revealing more the glory and love of God. Life is a precious gift from God to be used wisely. The time of earthly life is limited for each person. It is always good and beneficial to give thanks to God for the gift of life, to repent of sin and to seek first the Kingdom of God. (Mt. 6:33)

St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania.
June 21 / July 4, 2010
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost.
St. Julian of Tarsus, Martyr.

Fr. Rodney Torbic

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