peace of god! christ is born indeed he is...

St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral “Ravanica”

GLAS RAVANICE NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER, 2015 - JANUARY, 2016

Peace of God! Christ is Born Indeed He Is Born !

ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL “RAVANICA DECEMBER 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Fr iday Saturday

NATIVITY FAST NOV. 28th Through JAN. 7th!

1 Nativity Fast

2 Nativity Fast

3 Nativity Fast

4 Nativity Fast ENTRY OF THE THEOTOKOS (VAVEDENJE) DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M.

5 Nativity Fast

6 Nativity Fast SUN. 27 AFTER PENTECOST

DIVINE

LITURGY/C.S. 9:30 A.M. C.S. HOLY COMMUNION

7 Nativity Fast

8 Nativity Fast

9 Nativity Fast

10 Nativity Fast

11Nativity Fast

1 Nativity Fast


DIVINE LITURGY/C.S.

10 A.M. Sisters’ Cookie

Tin Sale!

1 Nativity Fast

1 Nativity Fast

1 Nativity Fast

17 Nativity Fast

1 Nativity Fast

19Nativity Fast ST. NIKOLAS (SV. NIKOLA) DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M.


DIVINE LITURGY/C.S. SV. NIKOLA PROGRAM/ LUNCH

21NativityFast

22Nativity Fast

23Nativity Fast

24Nativity Fast

25Nativity Fast

26Nativity Fast

27Nativity Fast SUN. 30 AFTER PENTECOST

DIVINE LITURGY/C.S. 10 A.M.

28NativityFast

29Nativity Fast

30Nativity Fast

31Nativity Fast

FAST DAYS: SHADED GREEN!

DON’T FORGET DEC. 13th PRE‐HOLIDAY SUNDAY Sveti Nikola Program/Lunch

Cookie Tin Sale! Festival of Trees! After Church Please Join Us!

REMEMBER: EVERY WED. RELIGION CLASS @ 7 P.M. (Barnes & Noble)

RAVANICA CHOIR REHEARSAL THURS. @ 7 P.M. Troy Comm. Ctr.

ST.LAZARUSSERBIANORTHODOXCATHEDRAL“RAVANICA”January 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Fr iday Saturday

1 FAST 2 FAST

3 FAST SUN. 31 AFTER PENTECOST


4 FAST

5 FAST

6 STRICT FAST CHRISTMAS EVE BADNJI DAN! DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M. BADNJE VECE SERVICE 6 P.M. DINNER 7 P.M.

7 NATIVITY OF OUR LORD MIR BOZIJI HRISTOS SE RODI! DIVINE LITURGY 10 A.M.

8 NO FAST SYNAXIS OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M.

9 FIRST MARTYR STEPHEN Prvomucenik i Arhidjakon Stefan

(SV. STEFAN) DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M.

10 SUN .32 AFTER PENTECOST


11

12

13 FAST

14 ST. BASIL THE GREAT DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M. SRECNA NOVA GODINA!

15 FAST

16

17 SUN 33 AFTER PENTECOST


18 HOLY CROSS DAY DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M.

19 THEOPHANY BOGOJAVLJNJE Blessing of the Theophany Waters DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M.

20 FAST SV. JOVAN KRSTITELJ ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M.

21

22 FAST

23 ST. SAVA CELEBRATION VESPER 5 P.M. SV. SAVA PROGRAM & DINNER FOLLOWING VESPERS

24 SUN 34 AFTER PENTECOST


25

26 27 FAST SVETI SAVA ST. SAVA DIVINE LITURGY 9 A.M.

28 29 FAST

30

31 SUN. 35 AFTER PENTECOST


- Znak za post - Sign for fasting

ChurchExecutiveBoard

Cathedral Dean. V. Rev. Zivan Urosev Parish Priest Rev. Dragan Micanovic President Mike Balow‐[email protected] 1st Vice President Michael Timarac‐[email protected] 2nd Vice President Bogdan Beslach ‐[email protected] Treasurer Gregory Borchich‐ Recording Secretary Milan Golusin‐[email protected] Financial Secretary Zivorad Petrovich‐ [email protected] Audit Chair Bosko Vulinovic ‐[email protected]

Members at Large Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ‐ [email protected] Member at Large Roy Downie –[email protected] Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ‐donna‐[email protected] Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ‐ [email protected]

Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo

Affiliated Organizations St. Lazarus Church‐School Superintendents – Marija Mijac & Danielle Nesovski St. Lazarus Church‐School/ Cultural Program Chairman‐ Zoran Djurich Serbian Sisters Ravanica President – Donna Rajkovic Ravanica Pensioner’s Club President – Branka Misovski Ravanica Choir President ‐ Dr. Milan Chonich St. Lazarus Sports Club David Willman

CHURCH SERVICES Divine Liturgy – Sundays 10 A.M.

Weekday and Feast Days 9 A.M. (See Church Calendar)

Church Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wed., & Friday: 9:30 A.M.‐2:30 P.M Parish Office Phone: (313) 893‐6025 Parish Office Fax: (313) 892‐6944 The “Glas “ Newsletter Editors and Church Ex. Board assumes responsibility and the right to reject, delete and rewrite, any

part or all of the club articles submitted for publication. Any news or social interest should be submitted to the Editors. “Glas” Editors: Donna and Paul Bielich

To our spiritual children and the faithful of Ravanica Cathedral

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Тhe day of Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ is approaching. The day of the Creator’s presence in the flesh. This day marks fulfillment of His promise to our forefathers Adam and Eve and to the whole humankind. Our salvation begins with his birth. The world needed God’s presence so much that He finally sends His Word, His Onlybegotten Son to be incarnated by Holy Spirit and Virgin Mary in order to heal the wounded and by sin abused humanity, the fallen crown of His Father’s creation. But even today, two thousand years later world is still in need of His peaceful presence on Earth, How greatly is His presence needed in our hearts and lives! The Nativity of Christ takes place and thus obliges us to allow Him to be incarnate in our lives. The Nativity of Christ is primarily the feast of divine dispensation–God’s Economy, the feast of compassion, the feast of charity and of almsgiving. And more than this, the Nativity of Christ is the feast of the incarnation of ultimate love, charity and almsgiving, in which God descended even to the abysses of the earth, and found only a cave to shelter Him, and only a humble manger in which to recline. He has done all of this out of love, out of charity and mercy toward us men. Under today’s grievous circumstances in our lands, how greatly do we Orthodox Christians need to learn how to embody this act of the Lord and how to be a practical financial relief and moral uplift for our neighbor, our relative, our brother, and for our fatherland! Through these acts of mercy, extended to one another and to everyone, no matter what race we belong to, we implore the tender mercies of the Divine Child, Whose springs of mercies and bounties we will never be able to surpass. All our difficulties, sufferings and tribulations we are to cast before the loving manger of infant Jesus, Who chose the Church to be the ambassador of His love to the Universe. We also call all of you brothers and sisters of this Holy Community of St.Lazarus, Great Martyr of Kosovo, to continue rebuilding this parish, rebuilding our brotherly love and trust. We, the faithful of this Cathedral, have great responsibility to continue the sacred legacy of our holy ancestors and predecessors, to preserve and strengthen this gift and inheritance entrusted to us. We are obliged to handover our holy faith and traditions unchanged and unspoiled to our children and the future generations of those who will call this holy place “Church and Home” and come here to find divine comfort, inspiration and salvation. From this place, we send forth our fatherly blessing to all of you, our spiritual children and ask Our Lord and Savior through the intercessions of the Most Holy Thetokos to protect, safeguard and guide you and your dear families, to sustain His peace throughout the entire redeemed creation.

Christ is Born! Blessed be New Year of Our Lord 2016! Your humble petitioners in front of Newborn Crist’s cradle

Fr.Zivan Urosev and Fr.Dragan Micanovic

WELCOME TO ST. LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Please enter with reverence, thanksgiving, and worship in the “nave”, the church proper. The glass-enclosed narthex is designated for parents with infants and young children. However, everyone is asked to remain in the narthex during the “Small Entrance,” “Great Entrance,” “Epistles,” and “Gospel Readings”. Also, please remember to turn off all cell phones and beepers during services. If you are a visitor or newcomer, we are pleased to have you with us. Please introduce yourself to a parish board member or our parish priest and also sign the guest card located with our Divine Liturgy Service Books in the pews. Remember that only those who are baptized or chrismated in the Eastern Orthodox faith may participate in the Holy Sacraments including Holy Communion. Following church services, everyone is invited to attend the fellowship hour for lunch or coffee in the parish hall. Our website is http://ravanica.org

РАСПОРЕДБОГОСЛУЖЕЊАЗАЈАНУАР2016

НЕДЕЉА,ЈАН3–СВЕТИХОТАЦА10:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАСРЕДА,ЈАН6–БАДЊEВЕЧЕ09:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈА18:00ВЕЛИКОПОВЕЧЕРЈЕ19:00ОСВЕЋЕЊЕБАДЊАКА19:30ПОСНАВЕЧЕРАЧЕТВРТАК,ЈАН7–БОЖИЋ10:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАПЕТАК,ЈАН8–САБОРПРЕСВETEБОГОРОДИЦЕ09:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАСУБОТА,ЈАН9–СВ.АРХИЂАКОНСТЕФАН09:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАНЕДЕЉА,ЈАН10–СВЕТИХБОГООТАЦА10:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАЧЕТВРТАК,ЈАН14–ОБРЕЗАЊЕГОСПОДЊЕ/СВ.ВАСИЛИЈЕВЕЛИКИ09:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАНЕДЕЉА,ЈАН17–НЕДЕЉАПРЕДБОГОЈАВЉЕЊЕ10:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАПОНЕДЕЉАК,ЈАН18–КРСТОВДАН09:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАИВЕЛИКООСВЕЋЕЊЕВОДЕУТОРАК,ЈАН19–БОГОЈАВЉЕЊЕ09:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАИВЕЛИКООСВЕЋЕЊЕВОДЕСРЕДА,ЈАН20–СВ.ЈОВАНКРСТИТЕЉ09:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАСУБОТА,ЈАН23–СВЕТОСАВСКАПРОСЛАВА17:00ВЕЧЕРЊЕБОГОСЛУЖЕЊЕ18:00ОСВЕЋЕЊЕСЛАВСКОГКОЛАЧА/СВЕЧАНИБАНКЕТ&СВЕТОСАВСКААКАДЕМИЈАНЕДЕЉА,ЈАН24–НЕДЕЉАПОСЛЕБОГОЈАВЉЕЊА10:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАСРЕДА,ЈАН27–СВ.САВА09:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈАНЕДЕЉА,ЈАН31–СВ.АТАНАСИЈЕВЕЛИКИ10:00СВ.ЛИТУРГИЈА

МИРБОЖИЈИ!ХРИСТОССЕРОДИ!–ВАИСТИНУСЕРОДИ!

СвештенствоСаборнеЦрквеСв.Лазара

SCHEDULEOFDIVINESERVICESFORJANUARY2016

SUNDAY,JAN3–HOLYFATHERS10:00HOLYLITURGYWEDNESDAY,JAN6–CHRISTMAS/NATIVITYEVE09:00HOLYLITURGY18:00GREATCOMPLINE19:00BLESSINGOFYULELOG19:30LENTENDINERTHURSDAY,JAN7–NATIVITYOFOURLORD10:00HOLYLITURGYFRIDAY,JAN8–SYNAXISOFTHEMOSTHOLYTHEOTOKOS09:00HOLYLITURGYSATURDAY,JAN9–ST.STEPHENTHEARCHDEACON09:00HOLYLITURGYSUNDAY,JAN10–HOLYGOD‐BEARINGFATHERS10:00HOLYLITURGYTHURSDAY,JAN14–CIRCUMCISIONOFOURLORD/ST.BASILTHEGREAT09:00HOLYLITURGYSUNDAY,JAN17–SUNDAYBEFORETHEOPHANY10:00HOLYLITURGYMONDAY,JAN18–HOLYCROSSDAY09:00HOLYLITURGY&THEGREATBLESSINGOFWATERTUESDAY,JAN19–EPIPHANY09:00HOLYLITURGY&THEGREATBLESSINGOFWATERWEDNESDAY,JAN20–ST.JOHNTHEBAPTIST09:00HOLYLITURGYSATURDAY,JAN23–ST.SAVACELEBRATION17:00SUNDAYVESPERS18:00BLESSINGOFSLAVABREAD/SLAVABANQUETANDCULTURALPROGRAMSUNDAY,JAN24–SUNDAYAFTERTHEOPHANY10:00HOLYLITURGYWEDNESDAY,JAN27–ST.SAVA09:00HOLYLITURGYSUNDAY,JAN31–ST.ATHANASIUSTHEGREAT10:00HOLYLITURGY

PEACEOFGOD!

CHRISTISBORN!–INDEEDHEISBORN!

Clergy Of St.Lazarus Cathedral

J-fefp 13eautify our Catfieara{ for tfie Christmas J-fofiaay

Your Church will be decorated for Badnje Vece and the rest of the Christmas Holidays. Many have expressed that they would like if the Church would purchase Poinsettia plants in their name and for their loved ones. By filling out this form and donating we can then fulfill not only many of your requests, but also more extensively decorate the Cathedral. This year we will also have luminary bags lining the walkways from the Cathedral to the hall at the cost of $5.00 per bag. Please return this form as soon as possible so that we will know how many flowers to order.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER FUND DONATIONS

Please fill in this coupon and return with your donation to the Church office or mail to:

St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral 4575 E. Outer Drive Detroit, Mi. 48234

Donated by: (Name) ____________________ _

(Address) ____________________ _

Poinsettia $ ---------------------Luminary Lanterns $5.00 Each $ __________ _

In Memory of ____________________________________ _

For Health of -----------------------------------------------------

Please make all checks payable to St. Lazarus "Ravanica"

"May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Almighty God, grant you and your loved ones good health, prosperity and spiritual growth for 2016."

"Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje, naredak i duhovni uzrast u 2016 godini."

"MirBozji,HristosseRodi!"

Peace of God, Christ is born!

"VaistinuseRodi!""IndeedHeisBorn!"

V.Rev.ZivanUrosev&Rev.DraganMicanovicRavanicaExecutiveBoard&AllChurchOrganizations

Christmas is the most thrilling season of the year. As we look back over the years, memories of many Christmases Christmas is the most thrilling season of the year. As we look back over the years, memories of many Christmases Christmas is the most thrilling season of the year. As we look back over the years, memories of many Christmases Christmas is the most thrilling season of the year. As we look back over the years, memories of many Christmases

flood our minds. Christmas cards that we read and reread, the smell of pine drifting through the house, the fireplace flood our minds. Christmas cards that we read and reread, the smell of pine drifting through the house, the fireplace flood our minds. Christmas cards that we read and reread, the smell of pine drifting through the house, the fireplace flood our minds. Christmas cards that we read and reread, the smell of pine drifting through the house, the fireplace

cracklingcracklingcracklingcrackling————all of these things turn our thoughts to those we love.all of these things turn our thoughts to those we love.all of these things turn our thoughts to those we love.all of these things turn our thoughts to those we love.

We treasure moments spent with family and friends each year as we gather to celebrate the Christmas message: a We treasure moments spent with family and friends each year as we gather to celebrate the Christmas message: a We treasure moments spent with family and friends each year as we gather to celebrate the Christmas message: a We treasure moments spent with family and friends each year as we gather to celebrate the Christmas message: a

message of hope and joy and love. No other day on the calendar catches the imagination of young and old alike as message of hope and joy and love. No other day on the calendar catches the imagination of young and old alike as message of hope and joy and love. No other day on the calendar catches the imagination of young and old alike as message of hope and joy and love. No other day on the calendar catches the imagination of young and old alike as

does Christmas. It’s a high and holy daydoes Christmas. It’s a high and holy daydoes Christmas. It’s a high and holy daydoes Christmas. It’s a high and holy day————a day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity.a day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity.a day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity.a day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity.

It’s a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem, and we hear beyond the noise of our It’s a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem, and we hear beyond the noise of our It’s a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem, and we hear beyond the noise of our It’s a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem, and we hear beyond the noise of our

materialistic world the soft flutter of angels’ wings. We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angels’ wings. We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angels’ wings. We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angels’ wings. We see the

tenderness of a mother with her firsttenderness of a mother with her firsttenderness of a mother with her firsttenderness of a mother with her first----born Son.. we feel the softness of a Baby. born Son.. we feel the softness of a Baby. born Son.. we feel the softness of a Baby. born Son.. we feel the softness of a Baby.

Christmas means something far deeper than human good will. It is the loving remembrance of the birth of the Savior. Christmas means something far deeper than human good will. It is the loving remembrance of the birth of the Savior. Christmas means something far deeper than human good will. It is the loving remembrance of the birth of the Savior. Christmas means something far deeper than human good will. It is the loving remembrance of the birth of the Savior.

Over two thousand years ago, on a night the world has come to call Christmas, a young Jewish maiden went through Over two thousand years ago, on a night the world has come to call Christmas, a young Jewish maiden went through Over two thousand years ago, on a night the world has come to call Christmas, a young Jewish maiden went through Over two thousand years ago, on a night the world has come to call Christmas, a young Jewish maiden went through

the experience countless mothers had before her, and would since: She brought forth a child. But this was no the experience countless mothers had before her, and would since: She brought forth a child. But this was no the experience countless mothers had before her, and would since: She brought forth a child. But this was no the experience countless mothers had before her, and would since: She brought forth a child. But this was no

ordinary child. This was the unique Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins. ordinary child. This was the unique Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins. ordinary child. This was the unique Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins. ordinary child. This was the unique Son of God, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins.

(Matthew 2:11) (Matthew 2:11) (Matthew 2:11) (Matthew 2:11)

Christmas ...it’s the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Christmas ...it’s the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Christmas ...it’s the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Christmas ...it’s the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our

Savior. Amid the glitter and busyness of the season, may you not lose sight of the miracle and meaning of that Savior. Amid the glitter and busyness of the season, may you not lose sight of the miracle and meaning of that Savior. Amid the glitter and busyness of the season, may you not lose sight of the miracle and meaning of that Savior. Amid the glitter and busyness of the season, may you not lose sight of the miracle and meaning of that

Christmas night. With the shepherds and the wise men, let us fall down and worship Him!Christmas night. With the shepherds and the wise men, let us fall down and worship Him!Christmas night. With the shepherds and the wise men, let us fall down and worship Him!Christmas night. With the shepherds and the wise men, let us fall down and worship Him!

Taken from the book: “This Christmas Night” c.2007Taken from the book: “This Christmas Night” c.2007Taken from the book: “This Christmas Night” c.2007Taken from the book: “This Christmas Night” c.2007

From the Church’s Records…

BAPTISMS: Lana Sibinovic- November 8, 2015 Parents: Milan & Jennifer Sibinovic Aleksandra Voss – November 15, 2015 Parents: Matthew & Menka Voss Gabriela Petrovski – November 22, 2015 Parents: Novica & Michelle Petrovski Hope Pulkovski – November 22, 2015 Parents: Boban & Sara Pulkovski Marius Boick – November 28, 2015 Parents: Robert & Nicole Boick Sofia Antonic – November 28, 2015 Parents: Petar & Patrycja Antonic Peter Capuzzi- November 29, 2015 Parents: Daniel & Stephanie Capuzzi Layla Bjelobrk- November 29, 2015 Parents: Milan & Louise Bjelobrk Our most sincere congratulations are extended to the parents, grandparents, kumovi and all relatives of the newly baptized babies. May God bless them all. Mnogaja Ljeta!

DEATHS: +Helen Balaban – November 25, 2015 +Mildred Grudich – November 30, 2015 +Bosko Dimovich – December 2, 2015 Grant rest eternal in blessed falling asleep, O Lord, to the soul of Thy departed Servants, and make their memory to be eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat!

CHRISTMAS READS Recommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich

For Adults

Bowers, Chris. Novak Djokovic: the sporting statesman and the rise of Serbia. John Blake, 2014. This book weaves together sporting and geopolitical strands to present a sensitive portrait of a man and his people, and how determination married to sensitivity can create a sporting statesman. Knezevic, Miki. Behind God’s back. Create Space Publishing, 2012. How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs, killings imprisonments, foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars?. Behind God’s Back is the story of Desa Jovanovic of Belgrade, Serbia, a courageous woman who defies the odds and becomes a physician in the male-dominated world of the early 1900s. Lubotina, Paul. Serbians in Michigan. MSU Press, 2014. Examines the lives of Serbian immigrants from lowland areas of the Balkans and the distinct highland cultures of Montenegro. Provides cultural background to Serbian society that serves as a benchmark to compare the changes that occurred among the population after arriving in Michigan. A key theme in the book is how the Serbian Orthodox Church maintained Serbian heritage and nationalism through several generations in America.

For Children

Harris, John. Jingle Bells: how the holiday classic came to be. Peachtree, 2011. Tells the story of how, in Savannah, Georgia in 1857 James Lord Pierpont sat down to write a song for his congregation’s Thanksgiving program and, homesick for the cold New England weather he remembered, came up with an enduring classic. Malone, Jean M. No room at the inn: the Nativity story. Grosset & Dunlap, 2009. Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity.. Schroff, Laiura. An invisible thread Christmas story. Little, Simon, 2015. This heartfelt story tells of a young woman working in the city and a young boy in desperate need of friendship and guidance. In the short time after they meet, Laura realizes Maurice has never celebrated Christmas, so she opens her heart and her home and sets out to show him how wondrous the holiday is. What she finds through his glowing eyes is that the meaning of the holiday is truly about giving, not getting as they each discover the magic of Christmas and how one small random act of kindness can truly change a life. Thompson, Lauren. The Christmas magic. Scholastic, 2009. Santa prepares his reindeer and sleigh, cleans his boots and suit, and chooses a toy for every child in the world as he awaits the magic that happens on Christmas Eve. . Please Note:

The Church Library is open on Sunday’s, following Divine Liturgy from 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia More than 1,600 years ago, in the year 270 AD, St Nicholas was born not far from Myra, in a land that is now part of the country of Turkey. In those days Orthodox Christians were persecuted for their faith. It wasn't easy to be a Christian. Many of them were tortured and executed because they believed in Christ. Nicholas was taught by his parents to love the Lord with his whole mind, heart, soul, and with ail his strength. When they died he inherited their money. He used this to help the poor, the hungry, and the sick. Whenever he helped anyone he did it secretly, so that only God would know, He did not want praise from people; he wanted his reward to be only in Heaven. After he gave away the money his parents had left him he decided to become a monk. He went to a monastery where he lived and worked and prayed, intending to spend the rest of his life repenting of his sins. But soon it became clear that God wanted him to be a priest, and so he began to study the Law of God. St Nicholas became the parish priest of a village church after his ordination. He worked very hard, instructing

his flock and helping those in need. He also performed all the Divine Services and was a spiritual father to all.

He Becomes Archbishop

One day the Archbishop of Myra died. The other bishops, as well as the priests and people of the town, gathered to choose a successor. They couldn't decide who should be their new archbishop. They kept a vigil and prayed all night long in the cathedral, begging God to guide them. God revealed to one of the bishops that the first priest to enter the church in the morning should be chosen as the new archbishop. At sunrise, a simple priest, Father Nicholas, came quietly into the cathedral to say is morning prayers. In this way the Lord God revealed His choice for archbishop.

A Church Council

In the year 325 a great Council of the Orthodox Church was held in the city of Nicea. 317 bishops from all over the world came. At this Council part of the Creed we sing in every Divine Liturgy was written down and StNicholas had a wonderful opportunity to defend the teachings of the Church against Arius who denied that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh and was leading many people astray by his false teaching.

A Wonderworker

St Nicholas followed the words of our Lord, Lay up treasure for yourself in Heaven, by saying his prayers every day, by fasting, and by performing many good deeds. God was so pleased that He worked many miracles through him. Because he was able to calm storms on the sea he became known as the patron saint of sailors. Because he protected children (he even raised 3 children from the dead!), he is also a patron of young people. He was able to multiply food, just as our Saviour did with the fish and loaves, and in this way he once kept a whole city from starving. People began to call him a "wonderworker" (a person who works wonders or performs miracles). They were so inspired by his life of service to others that many of them, too, began to lead holy lives, filled with good deeds. After a long life, God called his slave home to heaven on December 19, 343. He was buried in his cathedral, but in the year 1087 the remains of his holy body (relics) were taken to Italy to save them from the Turks who were persecuting Christians and destroying churches and holy objects, and they remain to this day in the city of Bari. The Orthodox Church celebrates this translation of his relics on May 22, St, Nicholas led a life so pleasing to God, that God glorified His saint even after his death, As a sign of God's grace, a fragrant substance called "myrrh" comes from the relics of St Nicholas and many sick people anoint themselves with it and receive healing. There is an Orthodox church in Bari whose priest frequently celebrates services before the relics, asking St Nicholas to pray for us before the throne of God.

Troparion, Tone 4

The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith,/ a model of meekness, and a teacher of temperance./ Therefore thou hast won the heights by humility,/ riches by poverty./ Holy Father Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved.

The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak (Yule Log) By St. Bishop Nicolai Velimirovich

Have you ever brought a Badnjak into your home? Do you know that the Badnjak is the finest and foremost custom of all the many traditions by which our people enhance the Christmas celebration? The Serbs begin the celebration of Christmas with the solemn ceremony of bringing in a young oak tree to the house. An oak is usually the most solid tree and produces the most heat. Have you ever anointed the Badnjak with honey? Have you rejoiced with your children watching its light emitted in a swarm of sparks? Have you enjoyed its heat? The Badnjak is the tree of happiness and sweetness, the tree of health, strength and youth, the tree of life and love. Is there a tree of happiness in this world? Is the Badnjak that tree or is it a semblance and symbol of that tree? Yes, it is only a symbol and a semblance. The real tree of happiness is He who was born on that radiant day. The bringing of the Badnjak into the house represents Christ’s coming into the world and His coming into our homes and our souls. What a glorious custom and marvelous scene! The Badnjak represents Christ. As a young and powerful tree the King of love gave Himself to be slain in order to rejuvenate the world by the fragrance of eternal youth; to thaw frozen mankind by the fire of His love; to enlighten and bring joy to all man by the flame of His Divine revelation; to annihilate the false gods on earth by the sparks of His words; to sweeten the bitter waters by the sweet juice of His blood. Having brought the Badnjaks into your homes have you brought Christ into your homes and your souls? A picture is only a picture, but Christ is the reality. The Badnjak is a picture, but Christ is the reality. The Badnjak is a picture of the tree of happiness and as a picture is a warning and reminder that you should bring into your homes and your souls the real tree of Happiness, the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. His teaching, His sermon on the Mount was the sermon on Happiness and contains the only charter of human happiness and He Himself represents the true and eternal Tree of Happiness.

Serbian Christmas Sprouting Wheat on Sv.

Nikola Day!

The custom of sprouting wheat on St. Nicholas Day is a custom of the Serbian Orthodox Church. This custom is one of the many home celebrations and traditions that integrate the life of the Church into the life of the family. This custom is one of the first among many in preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. In the sprouting of wheat there are many symbols of the Gospel, Christ and His birth. The first symbol we see is in the size of the grain of wheat; it is very small and when it sprouts it is close to a hundred times its size. From this we should recall the Gospel message about faith; if you had the faith of a mustard seed you could do great and marvelous things. When we look at the wheat berry it is hard to believe or have faith that it is going to become something. The next symbol we see is the white shoot coming out of the wheat berry as it sprouts. This shows the purity of Christ’s birth. That He was born of the Virgin, who did not know a man and that she remained a virgin after His birth. The third symbol is the green growth from the wheat berry; in this we are reminded of two distinct things – First we see the wheat berry change its form to the point that it is almost unrecognizable. In this we are reminded of the Gospel message that a seed cast upon the ground must die and rise again. Thus, we are given an image of the Resurrection - the purpose of Christ’s birth; our salvation. We must also recall that many times Christ appeared to His disciples and they barely recognized Him. The second thing is that we are reminded of our new life in Christ, which was given to us by His birth, by the new life we see before us in the growing wheat. The fourth symbol deals with the color of the wheat, green. Green is the color used by the Church to symbolize new life and growth. Additionally, green is used by the Church as the symbol of Pentecost, the decent of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Comforter would not have been granted to us had Christ not come into the world, died, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Our caring for the wheat reminds us of God’s love for the world. Without our care the wheat

would die, so without God’s love for us we are dead. God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son into the world for its salvation. The next symbol is that of the candle that is placed in the center of the sprouting wheat. We are reminded that Christ is the light of the world that illumines all things. The final symbol deals with what happens to the wheat on the eve of the Feast of the Nativity. The top of the wheat is trimmed to an even height and a ribbon placed around the center of the wheat – the ribbon in Serbian tradition would be the red, blue and white of the Serbian flag. These two actions are to remind us that we are under God, and are bound to follow His Law (Commandments) in obedience to Him. This sprouted wheat on the Nativity is used to decorate the home and used as a centerpiece on the Bozic (Christmas) table. In this we see images of the Trinity, the Nativity, the Gospel messages and our way of life as Orthodox Christians. In this small tradition we can see how our Faith must be lived and experienced daily and integrated into our way of being. That life cannot be compartmentalized into the realms of secular and holy, but must be united in order to grasp the true meaning of Christianity.

The Church of the

·N.ati"lity I n the city of Bethlehem stands one of the

oldest continuously used churches in the

world: the Church of the Nativity. It marks

the location that, according to tradition, was

the place of Jesus's birth. The original church

on the site was ordered built by St. Helen,

the mother of St. Constantine the Great.

The church was completed in 333, but it was

destroyed by fire in 529. Emperor Justinian

had the church rebuilt in 565. This building

still stands today. Jesus was born in the grotto

below the church. The spot is marked by an

altar and a silver fourteen-point star.

Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

January 7

Mir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi! Divine Peace Christ Is Born! Introduction TheFeastoftheNativityofJesusisoneofthe

mostjoyfuldaysoftheOrthodoxChurch.Itranksnexttothegreatestholiday,theResurrectionofJesus.TheFeastoftheBirthofJesusisalsoknownasthe“IncarnationofChrist.”ThismeansthatJesusbecameamanandcameintotheworldtosaveus.WealsorefertothisjoyousfeastasChristmas.BiblicalStoryThestoryoftheNativityofChristisbeautifullytoldintheHolyScriptures.ThestoryisfoundinMatthew1:18‐26andinLuke2:1‐20.NomatterHowoftentheBirthofJesusistold,werealizethat

itisanimportantevent.

As the story is told by theApostles, theRomanEmpire waspowerful. TheRomanshadconqueredmuch of the then knownworld. Judea and Samaria, what we know today asIsrael,wereincludedintheirconquests.EmperorAugustusorderedthatacensusbetakeninallhis lands. Heneededtoknowhowmanypeople livedintheempiresohecouldtaxthem. Everyonehad to go to the townof their family’s origin to register for the census.ThismeantthatMaryandJosephhadtogotoBethlehem.TheyweredescendantsofKingDavidandBethlehemwastheCityofDavid.MaryandJosephlivedinNazarethanditwasagreatdistancefromBethlehem.Itwasabout100miles over very rugged roads. Moreover, Marywas expecting the baby and it wasalmost time for her to give birth. Bethlehem was a small town and there were manydescendantsofDavidwhohadcometoregisterforthecensus.BythetimeMaryandJosepharrivedinBethlehemtherewasnoplaceforthemtostay.Josephtriedveryhardtofindaplacetosleepthatevening.Therewasnoroomattheinn.Finally,Josephfoundacave‐likeplacewhere they could rest. Thisplacewasusedby shepherds toprotect their sheep instormy weather. It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus. The baby was wrapped inswaddlingclothesandlaidinthestrawinthemanger.

Giving Our Gifts With Faith In Christ

Stewardship

Find a rightful place for stewardship in your heart and in your life

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein; for he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers. Psalm 24:1-2 I WILL NOT OFFER TO THE LORD MY GOD THAT WHICH HAS COST ME NOTHING” The Prophet David

__________________________________________________________________________________________

The Nativity of

• • • •

J.0..SUS Cilrist .

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In another corner. two women bathe a child. In

1 the Protevongelion of james, joseph finds midwives to help Mary give birth. Afterward. the midwives give Jesus His first bath . This is a reminder that jesus is fully human; He was born like any other baby and needed a bath.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• •••• •

• • • • •

• • • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • •

"Prologue" Reading For Christmas

By St. Nikolai Velimirovich Prologue from Ochrid, TheNativityofOurLord,GodandSaviorJesusChrist"Butwhenthefullnessofthetimehadcome,GodsentforthHisSon"(Galatians4:4)tosavethehumanrace.

AndwhenninemonthswerefulfilledfromtheAnnunciation,whentheArchangelGabrielhadappearedtothe

Most‐holyVirgininNazareth,saying,"Rejoice,thouthatarthighlyfavored…behold,thoushaltconceiveinthy

womb,andbringforthaSon"(Luke1:28,31),atthattimetherewentforthadecreefromCaesarAugustus

thatallthepeopleoftheRomanEmpireshouldbetaxed.Inaccordancewiththisdecree,everyonehadtogo

tohisowntownandberegistered.ThatiswhytherighteousJosephcamewiththeMost‐holyVirginto

Bethlehem,thecityofDavid,fortheywerebothoftheroyallineageofDavid.Sincemanypeopledescended

onthissmalltownforthecensus,JosephandMarywereunabletofindlodginginanyhouse,andtheysought

shelterinacavewhichshepherdsusedasasheepfold.InthiscavetheMost‐holyVirgingavebirthtothe

Savioroftheworld,theLordJesusChrist.GivingbirthtoHimwithoutpainjustasHewasconceivedwithout

sinbytheHolySpiritandnotbyman,sheherselfwrappedHiminswaddlingclothes,worshipedHimasGod,

andlaidHiminamanger.ThentherighteousJosephdrewnearandworshipedHimastheDivineFruitofthe

Virgin'swomb.Thentheshepherdscameinfromthefields,directedbyanangelofGod,andworshipedHim

astheMessiahandSavior.TheshepherdsheardamultitudeofGod'sangelssinging:"GlorytoGodinthe

highest,andonearthpeace,goodwilltowardmen"(Luke2:14)."Atthattimethreewisemenarrivedfromthe

east,ledbyawondrousstar,bearingtheirgifts:gold,frankincenseandmyrrh.TheyworshipedHimastheKing

ofkings,andofferedHimtheirgifts"(Matthew2).ThusenteredtheworldHeWhosecomingwasforetoldby

theprophets,andWhowasborninthesamemannerinwhichithadbeenprophesied:ofaMost‐holyVirgin,

inthetownofBethlehem,ofthelineageofDavidaccordingtotheflesh,atthetimewhentherewasnokingin

JerusalemofthelineageofJudah,butratherwhenHerod,aforeigner,wasreigning.Aftermanytypesand

prefigurings,messengersandheralds,prophetsandrighteousmen,wisemenandkings,finallyHeappeared,

theLordoftheworldandKingofkings,toperformtheworkofthesalvationofmankind,whichcouldnotbe

performedbyHisservants.ToHimbeeternalgloryandpraise!Amen.

Serbian Christmas Bread – “Cesnica”

Christmas Bread (Cesnica) is served to the family on Christmas Day and it is never cut

with a knife. At mealtime, when the family gathers around the holiday table to break bread together, it is a solemn and holy moment. Many families follow customs which began centuries ago, depending on the province in which their ancestors lived. The holiday candle is lit and placed in the center of the table. The father offers the Cesnica over the lighted candle and each family member holds a part of the bread with his or her right hand. In unison they exclaim “Hristos Se Rodi” (“Christ is Born”) and the answer “Voistinu Se Rodi” (“Truly He is Born”) as they break off a portion of the bread. In some provinces, a Christmas bread (Kolac) is prepared. The male head of the house cuts the bread in a sign of the cross on the bottom of the bread with members of the family turning the bread. Special prayers are offered with the entire gathering singing hymns such as “Rozdestvo.” The fortunate person who finds the coin (which was washed and placed in the dough while being kneaded), is considered blessed for the coming year. Each person then proceeds around the table, formally greeting every one present with the traditional greeting “Hristos Se Rodi” and the response “Voistinu Se Rodi” This greeting used throughout the Christmas Holy Days is a reminder that Christ brought Peace into this World by His Birth. In some provinces a yellow cornmeal cheese dish (Cicvara) is the first course. In some homes it is served from the pot in which it was prepared and is ladled out with a wooden spoon. It is believed the custom is a reminder of our humble beginnings in ancient Serbian life when most people lived in small, poor villages. Silverware was a precious commodity and the family ate from one pot an used the same spoon. Grains and crops of the field were the mainstays of life. The main course is traditionally a barbecued suckling pig. The holiday meal is enhanced with as many sumptuous courses as the hostess wishes to serve. It is a day of contemplation and rest. It is a day of good cheer which befits the joyous celebration of Christ’s Birth. The Peace of God amongst us

What’s the big deal

about

anyway?

God has fulfilled a promise

For thousands of years, people

believed that if they placed their

hope in the One true God, and

followed His commandments, He

would protect them (Psalm 90).

The Prophet Isaiah predicted the

Lord Himself would give us a sign of

this promise. A virgin will give birth

unto a Son, and His name will be

called “Immanuel” which means

“God is with us.” On Christmas, we

celebrate the birth of Christ, who is

the Son of God. He came through

the Holy Panagia named Mary.

1111

“The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

Psalm 45

Did you know the word

comes from two words

and

something special has happened

on this day, which is worth

celebrating and remembering

for generations to come.

Christmas is one of these very

and

What’s the big deal

about Christmas

anyway?

God is no longer invisible

Through the event of Christmas,

which is Jesus’ birthday, God makes

Himself seen and known to us.

Heaven and earth are joined.

Shepherds see angels proclaiming

the birth of Christ and His glory on

earth. A star left the sky to lead

three Astrologers or Magi from

Persia, to find Christ. This was their

job to know the stars, so for them,

it was something truly spectacular

that they had never seen before,

and converted them into believers!

God o

We learn from the

when the fullness of time was come,

God sent forth His son, made of a

woman, to redeem us (

By becoming one of us,

to save us. He restores His creation

that has been fallen since Adam and

Eve and offers us a way back into

Paradise

Christ. The Church calls us to come

and worship

Messiah,

and to give glory to Him who

greatest of

2222

“Unto us a Child is born,

unto us a Son is given.”

Isaiah 9:6

“How could the human race go to

God if God had not come to

GOLD = Jesus is King and is worthy of glory

MYRRH = Jesus is Man and will be buried with His death

FRANKINCENSE = Jesus is God and will ascend to the Father

What do the gifts mean?What do the gifts mean?What do the gifts mean?What do the gifts mean?

Did you know the word holiday

comes from two words “holy”

and “day.” It tells us that

something special has happened

on this day, which is worth

celebrating and remembering

for generations to come.

Christmas is one of these very

special “holy days”

and here are 3 reasons why!

God offers salvation

We learn from the Apostle Paul that

hen the fullness of time was come,

God sent forth His son, made of a

woman, to redeem us (Galatians 4).

By becoming one of us, God is able

to save us. He restores His creation

has been fallen since Adam and

Eve and offers us a way back into

through the birth of Jesus

The Church calls us to come

and worship the newborn child, the

Messiah, who is fully God and Man,

and to give glory to Him who is the

greatest of all gifts on earth.

3333

“How could the human race go to

God if God had not come to us?”

St Irenaeus of Lyon

= Jesus is God to the Father

THE CHRISTMAS BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM I am God’s child (John 1:12)

I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15) I am united with the Lord (1 Cor.6:17)

I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20) I am a saint (set apart for God. (Eph. 1:1)

I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8) I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)

I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27) I am free forever from condemnation (Rom 8: 1---2) I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20) I am free from any charge against me (Rom.8:31 – 34)

I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21) I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2: 18) I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)

I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39) I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor. 1:21 -22)) I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28)

I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15: 16) I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3:12)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13) I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5) I am God’s temple (1 Cor.3:16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2:10)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1) I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor. 3-9, 2 Cor 6:1). I am God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10)

I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected . (Phil.1:5) I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col. 1:14). I have been adopted as God’s child (Eph

1:5) I BELONG TO GOD

Christmas is preceded by three weeks which are dedicated to the family. The first Sunday of these three weeks is the Day of

the Child, or Detinjci (de-tiD-tsi). This is followed by Mother's Day, or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse). The third Sunday, Ocevi (0che-vi), is dedicated to the father.

On each of these Sundays, a custom of "Ransom" is observed. The ransomed ones are tied to some object and must pay a certain fee in order to regain their freedom. First, the children are ransomed to the parents, then the mother to the children, and then the father to the rest of the family. This way each member of the family, in turn , becomes ransomer and ransomed. This custom emphasizes and strengthens the close ties among family members in love and responsibility.

Other Christmas customs include:

Tucindan Two days before Christmas, on Tucin

dan (tu-chin-dan), a young pig is usually prepared for barbecue the next day, one that will serve as the main course for the Christmas meal.

BadnjiDall On the day before Christmas, Badnji

Dan (bad-n-yi dan), a Yule Log is secured and the pecenica (pe-che-ni-tsa) is cooked. The family gathers for a meal on Christmas Eve, which of course is Lenten. The meal is preceded by a prayer led by the father. Straw is spread around on the floor, and gifts are exchanged.

Cesnica Early on Christmas Day, while most of

the family members attend church services, Mother stays home to prepare the meal. One of her many tasks that day is to prepare the Cesnica (ches-ni-tsa), a special Christmas bread in which a coin is placed. Whoever finds the coin in his piece of Cesnica will have good fortune all through the coming year.

Mirbozenje The Kiss of Peace from God

The Christmas meal is the most festive meal of the year and usually the richest

one. When it is ready to be served, all family members gather around the table (Sofra).

Since this is a joyous and. exciting moment, Father must call everyone to attention. Once this is accomplished, he tights the candle in the middle of the table. The candle is usually set in a dish of wheat grain or, as is done in some regions, young green wheat that has been sprouted in a bowl for just this occasion.

R()~dest'Vo T'Voje Rozeiest'Co Tvoje, Hriste Boze nllS, VOZSUlt mir()f); sjet m%llUla

\fnembo zvjezliwn sl1.l!:illSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia.

Tjebje '~ICfn.iati~"fia solm....u prctveii;

J tcbje 'V"jedieti wisoti 'L'Ost ka.

GosrJOdi. slavu 1ebje!

Thy Nathity TI1Y Nativity, 0 Christ our God, Raised the light of 1000wledge

in the world; And those who worshipped the stars

were thought by the stars

To worship Thee, 0 Sun of Justice, And to lrnow Thee as the East

of the heights, o Lonl, glory to nIee!

Then Father censes everyone and says the prayer. Following the prayer, the family members turn the Cesnica together, f rom left to right, while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhjest-vo t-vo-ye), in Church Slavonic, the language of the Slavic liturgy. Then the Cesnica is broken and each member receives a piece of it, with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhaynik) or First Guest.

by Father Vojislav Dosenovich

The breaking of bread is then followed by the Mirbozenje (mic-bo-zhen-ye). Each member of the family turns to another and kisses him or her, the elder ones greeting the younger with the words, "Mir BozjiJ Hristos se Rodi!" (peace of God' Christ is Born!) The younger responds with Vaistinu Hristos se Rodi.l (Indeed He is born!)

Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent

in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhaynik) or Pole znik. This is the person, or "First Guest," who happens to be the first visitor to the home on Christmas Day. A special gift is prepared for this person; it is given along with a piece of Cesnica. In some villages people present the guest with a pair of wool stockings or a scarf.

The term Polozajnik in the Serbian language indicates its function , poloziti (polo-zhi-ti), which means to set aside or reserve. In some villages one hears the word Poleznik applied to the same person. In the flISt instance the noun derives from the verb, but in the latter case the term Poleznik probably derives from the noun polza, which means good or well-wishing.

The Polozajnik (or Poleznik) does not have to be a person of the Orthodox faith or even a person you may already know. No matter who that person is- old or young, male or female-the one who greets you on Christmas Day, God's Day, opens the door of your home and brings a blessing with his coming. As a creature of God like yourself, he comes in the name of God with best wishes. This of course, implies that this holiday is to be celebrated with all other people, represented on that day by the Polozajnik (or Poleznik).

This custom has another important meaning, namely, to remind us that we are just travelers or sojourners in this world. Just as there are travelers and sojourners away from their homes in other countries throughout the world, so too may we be found destitute and in need of help.

This is a beautiful custom which has been practiced by the Serbian people since ancient times. It depicts the reality of our life in this world, but above all, the Polozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world . _

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby. keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to

them, and the glory of t.he Lord shone around them, and they were

terriFied. But the angel said to them, "Do not be aFraid. I bring you

good news that wiII cause great joy For a[[ the people. Today in the to'wn of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This wi[[ be a sign to you: You wi[[ find a baby wrapped in

cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on

whom his Favor rests. "

When the angels had leFt them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ''Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, \;vhich the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried oFF and Found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and alI who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds sa id to them. But Mary trea ured up a[[ the e thing and p nder d them in her heart. The shepIlerd. returned, glorifying and pra i ing God For alI til e thing

they had heard and een, which w I' just as they ll ad be n told.

Sveti Nikola Program December 13, 2015

Following our Sveti Nikola program the children had a surprise visit from Sveti Nikola. In the spirit of giving the children gave Sveti Nikola a canned good so that he can take it to the shelters.

"Rozdestvo" (Thy Nativity)

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, Raised the light of knowledge in the world; And those who

worshiped the stars were thought by the stars To worship Thee, O sun of Justice, And to know Thee as the East of the heights, O Lord, glory to Thee!

Children’s Page

Theophany

The Baptism of Christ

Theophany (from Greek theophania, meaning "appearance of God") is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on January 19. It is the feast which reveals the Most Holy Trinity to the world through the Baptism of the Lord (Mt.3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22).

Baptism of Christ

This observance commemorates Christ's baptism by John in the River Jordan, and the beginning of Christ's earthly ministry. The Feast of Theophany is the culmination of the Christmas Season, which starts on January 7 and ends on January19. . In mystic commemoration of this event, the Great Blessing of Water is performed on this day, and the holy water so blessed is used by the local priest to bless the homes of the faithful.

The feast is called Theophany because at the baptism of Christ the Holy Trinity appeared clearly to mankind for the first time—the Father's voice is heard from Heaven, the Son of God is incarnate and standing physically in the Jordan, and the Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove.

This feast is also sometimes referred to as Epiphany by English-speaking Orthodox Christians, but that name more properly refers to the Western Christian feast commemorating the visit of the Magi to the child Jesus. The term epiphany does appear in some of the service texts for this feast, however.

.

Celebration of the feast

The services of Theophany are arranged similarly to those of the Nativity. (Historically the Christmas services were established later.)

The Royal Hours are read and the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is served with Vespers on the eve of the feast. The Vigil is made up of Great Compline and Matins. On the morning of the feast, the Divine Liturgy is served.

The Liturgy of the feast begins with psalms of glorification and praise instead of the three normal Antiphons. And the baptismal line from Galatians 3:27 replaces the Thrice-Holy.

For as many as been baptized into Christ have put on Christ: Alleluia.

The Gospel readings of all the services tell of the Lord's baptism by John in the Jordan River. The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lord's appearing which is the divine epiphany.

Since the main feature of the feast is the blessing of water. It is prescribed to follow both the Divine Liturgy of the eve of the feast and the Divine Liturgy of the day itself. But most local parishes do it only once when most of the parishioners can be present. The blessing verifies that mankind, and all of creation, were created to be filled with the sanctifying presence of God.

In connection with the feast, it is traditional for the priest to visit all the homes of the faithful for their annual house blessing.

Hymns

Troparion (Tone 1)

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, worship of the Trinity wast made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truth of His word. O Christ our God, Who hath appeared and enlightened the world, glory to Thee.

Kontakion (Tone 4)

On this day Thou hast appeared unto the whole world, and Thy light, O Sovereign Lord, is signed on us who sing Thy praise and chant with knowledge: Thou hast now come, Thou hast appeared, O Thou Light unapproachable.

BLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas Kazich

Every year the Church solemnly blesses water at Epiphany, for when God became man He made all nature holy in a new and wonderful way. Through his baptism, the Lord blessed all water in His creation. A large barrel or tub of water is placed in the center of the church. The priest censes the water, then blesses it three times with his hand while he says, “Do thou, the same Master sanctify now also this water by thy Holy Spirit.” After this, the priest dips the Cross in the water three times and makes the sign of the cross. The troparion of the feast is sung. At the end of the service, the priest blesses us with the holy water by sprinkling some of it on our heads with a sprig of basil. We drink the water and take some home in little containers. Epiphany or Theophany in Greek means “manifestation.” This refers to the appearance of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – at Jesus’ baptism. God the Father revealed that the Man – Jesus was His Son and also God, and in the Holy Spirit all men can see God and know Him everywhere and through everything. After Epiphany, each year, the priest comes to bless our homes and pray to God to watch over our family with many years of good health and happiness. These are the things that should be prepared:

A table with a white cloth

An icon

A candle

Water in a bowl

List of names of the family Holy Water is preserved in the home. There are many occasions in family life when a sip of holy water can help to remind us of the blessing that was given “for the healing of soul and body.”

BLESSING OF HOMES FOLLOWING HOLY THEOPHANY

Please complete this form and return it to the Church Office no later than

Sunday, April17, 2016

If you wish to have your home blessed, please have a deep bowl with water, an icon and a candle available. The Service will be conducted in either Serbian or English and the names of the living will be read. You will be notified before Father Dragan visits your home.

Name: ________________ _

Address: ______________ _

Telephone: _____________ _

Email: ----------------------Dates and times preferred:

Fr. Dragan Micanovic - Western Parish St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral- RA V ANICA

4575 East Outer Drive, Detroit MI 48234-3233 Office: 313-893-6025; Cell: 248-778-8477

S.S.S. Ravanica Does Our Church Proud!

The Council of Orthodox Christian Churches of Metropolitan Detroit (COCC) sponsored "Christ is Born! Glorify Him! A Detroit Orthodox Christmas Concert" on Sunday, December 13 at 6 p.m. at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 36375 Joy Road, Westland.

The large church was filled to capacity with an enthusiastic and appreciative audience!

Our S.S.S. Ravanica opened the concert program singing 4 of our beautiful Serbian Christmas carols: “Oj Badnjace;” “Tiha Noc;” “Slava Vo Visnjih Boga;” and “Rozdestvo Tvoje” under the direction of Petra Koprivica. Their performance was outstanding and by far the best choir on the program! They did our parish proud in representing each and every one of us from St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Ravanica.

The first part of the concert featured Nativity hymns and carols sung in the native languages from Greece, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine by choirs from five Orthodox churches: Sts. Constantine and Helen, directed by Maritsa Kalasz; Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, Livonia, directed by Sharon Gomulka; St. George Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, Southfield, directed by Subdeacon John E. Lazar; St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, Detroit, directed by Petra Koprivica; and St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Southfield, directed by Mykola Newmerzyckyj. A group of Romanian Children Carolers, directed by V. Rev. George Carstea and Rev. Stefan Vlad melted the hearts of the audience. .

The second part of the concert featured Nativity hymns and carols sung in English by an inter-Orthodox chorus directed by Matushka Victoria Kopistiansky. A sing-along of popular Western Christmas carols brought the program to a close.

A free-will offering collected during the concert benefited "Detroit's Own Orthodox Radio" program (DOOR), which is broadcast on Sundays from 4 to 5 p.m. on radio station WNZK - 690AM.

An afterglow reception with refreshments followed the concert in the adjoining church hall. Those that did not attend certainly missed out on this wonderful opportunity to get everyone into the holiday spirit.

“Music is the universal language of mankind”

Paul Bielich

Bible Study is back! Every Wednesday at 7:00 PM Location: Barnes & Noble, Troy

1 block north of 14 Mile & John R Rd, on NE corner

HAVE YOU HEARD? Parishioners in the News

Dr. Millard and Cindy Golusin are proud to announce the birth of their new granddaughter, Zara Milania.

She arrived in the wee hours of November 24th weighing in at 9 lb. 1 oz. The proud parents are Milan and Olivera Golusin and big sister Yvonne. Millard and Cindy share the title of proud grandparents with Dusan and Bora Nestorovic. Congratulations to all.

Ranka and Michael Mulkern would like to share with fellow parishioners the joyful news that they now have a new granddaughter, Shay Sullivan Reading. Shay was born on October 18th in Chicago, IL where she now happily resides with her parents, Maya and A.J. Reading, and her big sister Madeleine Grace.

We congratulate Matthew Golusin who received his Master’s Degree in public administration from the University of Michigan. Matthew is a graduate of Western Michigan University and is currently a teacher at the Henry Ford Academy which is affiliated with the College for Creative Studies. If that’s not enough, he also coaches basketball at Clawson High School. Dr. Millard and Cindy Golusin are so very proud of his hard work and diligence and we too wish Matthew much success in his future career endeavors!

We’re happy to announce that wedding bells will be ringing for Tracy Schaldenbrand, daughter of Dr. Michael and Danielle Schaldenbrand who is engaged to Eric VandeVorde. A Fall, 2016 wedding is planned. Congratulations to all!

Dear Readers: If you have any news that requires “our special attention” or if we have missed

your news please send us an email so that it can be included in our next issue. We would love to hear from you.

Please email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

Our faithful “Ravanica” parishioner, Ranka Mulkern will again be playing Christmas music on her hammered dulcimer in the Taste of History at Greenfield Village during the entire holiday season, (with the exception of Dec.22nd). She will be there 15 nights, (Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 17-23, 26-27), so be sure to come and see her! Ranka is a very talented musician and has been featured on the Greenfield Village Holiday program many times. Ranka is always enjoyed by all. She will play your favorite Christmas tune for you, or perhaps even some familiar Serbian song! It is really quite an art to play the dulcimer. Ranka has a beautiful singing voice as well and can be found on many Sunday’s and Church Feast days behind the pevnica sharing her lovely voice and expertise, singing with our cantors. Ranka has also joined our St. Lazarus “Ravanica” Visitor’s Ministry/ (Our Posetioci “Ravanica”). This very important and heartfelt ministry, visiting our shut-ins and parishioners that due to poor health or age just cannot attend church. Our Posetioci are truly fortunate to have Ranka, with her beautiful and warm personality working with them in doing God’s work.

Our St. Lazarus “Ravanica” Parish is indeed very proud and fortunate to have Ranka and her wonderful husband Michael as parishioners!

See everyone at Greenfield Village for the “Taste of History” Holiday Season!

RAVANICA PARISHIONER IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

The

SISTERS CORNER Thank you to all who supported and sponsored an 11 Angel"

from our 11 Angel Tree" for the girls at Vista Maria this holiday season. We collected $2,345 to date that enabled our

shoppers to purchase gifts for 61 out of 122 girls housed in Vista Maria. Thank you for your generosity!

First Junior Sisters Outing Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

Sisters Annual Cookie Tin Sale!

Thankyouforyoursupport!

Festival of Trees 2015 And the 1 st Place ribbon goes too .............. .

The winner of this year's Festival of Trees goes to "Church School/Youth Program"!! Congratulations! Our church and hall really looks amazing!

Once again the Sisters would like to Thank the following: Georgia Somma- Thank you for cleaning out your supply closet and donating many of your beautiful Christmas Decor that helped enhance all our beautiful wreaths, swags and trees. Thank you to Julie Djurich, Mirjana Cindric, Nela Popadic, Jelena Musicki, Popadia Radica and Donna Rajkovic for decorating our Church and Catering Hall this year.

Lanterns for Christmas Eve

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•

We are lighting up our walkway with Lanterns once again for Christmas Eve.

Donated in Memory of or for the Health of someone you love.

They are $5.00 /each- you can find the forms by the candle stand

*Please make checks payable to: St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral

Our Church School children decorated our beautiful Badnjak in front of the

Altar.

As we celebrate this holiday season, I want to reflect on the generous spirit of our Sisters and thank them

for the many kindness they bestow on each other and the church community. I wish them an abundance of joy and a happy New Year!

Our Wish to You The holiday spirit brings cheer and happiness to us all and we wish to express our sincere thanks for the continued of good will extended to us, and to wish you all the fullest measure of happiness. May the New Year be one of abundance for you and your family!

Donna Rajkovic

An Awesome Christmas Eve

by Katherine Kehler

““All who are oppressed may come to Him. He is a refuge for them in their times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9).

My father was born in the Ukraine and spent his first fifteen years there. One Christmas his two older brothers bought a

German-made Christmas musical wind-up tree stand for their parents. It was mechanical

and played Silent Night. Their gift brought great delight to this family of ten.

Not long after, the region experienced the horrors of World War I, followed by the Russian

Revolution. Many people endured tremendous persecution — women were raped, and

fathers were kidnapped and murdered. Thieves would barge into homes, demand food,

and steal what they could, including the horses.

It was during one of those raids that God used the Christmas tree stand to perform a miracle and save the lives of my

father’s family. It was Christmas Eve and the tree was in the stand and playing Silent Night. The door burst open and a

gang of ruffians stormed in, all brandishing guns. Terror gripped each member of the family as they feared what would

happen next. However, their fear turned to astonishment as they watched these uninvited guests stop and become still.

Then without saying a word, the bandits backed out of the house and closed the door. God had used the tree and Silent

Night to save the lives of my father and his family. A miracle on Christmas Eve!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

JJ .

January 20, 2016 Because John's main role in his life was played out on the day of the Epiphany (Theophany), from the earliest times the Church has dedicated the day following Epiphany to his memory. With this feast is also linked the incident with the hand of the Forerunner. The Evangelist Luke desired to remove the body of John from Sebaste, where the great prophet was beheaded by Herod, to Antioch, his place of birth. He succeeded though, in acquiring and translating only one hand which was preserved in Antioch until the tenth century after which it was transferred to Constantinople from where it disappeared during the time of the Turks. Feasts of St. John are celebrated several times throughout the year, but this day, January 7, has the most Svecara. (That is, those Orthodox Serbs who honor St. John the Baptist as their Krsna Slava – Patron Saint. The Krsna Slava is the day that the Orthodox Serbs commemorate the baptism of their ancestors into Christianity). Among the Gospel personalities who surround the Savior, John the Baptist occupies a totally unique place by the manner of his entry into the world as well as by the manner of his life in this world, by his role in baptizing people for repentance and for his baptizing the Messiah and, finally, by his tragic departure from this life. He was of such moral purity that, in truth, he could be called a messenger angel, as Holy Scripture calls him, rather than a mortal man. St. John differs from all other prophets especially in that he had that privilege of being able, with his hand, to show the world Him about whom he prophesied. It is said that every year on the feast of the saint the bishop brought the hand of St. John before the people. Sometimes the hand appeared open and other times the hand appeared clenched. In the first case it signified a fruitful and bountiful year but, in the second case, it meant a year of unfruitfulness and famine.

St. John the Baptist

The Friends of the Ravanica Library believe the Library is the basis of a healthy and literate parish community. Each and every contribution to “The Friends of Ravanica Library” helps us to achieve our goals of providing the facilities, services and programs required for a lifetime of learning about our Holy Orthodox Faith and Serbian culture and traditions. Membership as a “friend” will help to provide not only books and materials for the Church Library, but will allow us to offer programs, lecture series, and events throughout the year.

We are grateful to the following individuals who have joined as “Friends of the Ravanica Library:”

Mila Bednarz Donna Bielich

Paul Bielich Gregory Borchich Nina Googasian Zora Kecman Aco & Carole Lazovic

Gordana Margulis Livija Marina Donna Medich

Snezana Milutinovic George & Marie Nickson Milos and Anne Saravolatz

All are welcomed and encouraged to become “Friends of the Ravanica Library.” Membership is $20.00.

Join Today ! We would also like to express our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Gordana Margulis for her generous monetary donation for our Church Library! We also wish to thank Diane Kordich, Ranka Mulkern, and Slavka Tomich for their donations of books to the church library.

St. Sava Dinner & Program

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Honored Sveti Sava Kumovi Zoran & Julie Djuric & Family

Vesper Service 5:00 P.M.

Cutting of Slavski Kolac

Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers

Church‐School Program Follows Dinner

Come honor our Patron and Father, Saint Sava of Serbia

Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna

Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi,Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi,Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi,Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi, Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi;Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi;Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi;Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi;

Tamo venci, tamo slava,Tamo venci, tamo slava,Tamo venci, tamo slava,Tamo venci, tamo slava, Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir Sava:Sava:Sava:Sava:

Pojte mu, Srbi, pesmu i utrojte!Pojte mu, Srbi, pesmu i utrojte!Pojte mu, Srbi, pesmu i utrojte!Pojte mu, Srbi, pesmu i utrojte!

Blagodarna Srbijo, puna si ljubaviBlagodarna Srbijo, puna si ljubaviBlagodarna Srbijo, puna si ljubaviBlagodarna Srbijo, puna si ljubavi Prema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi;Prema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi;Prema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi;Prema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi;

Bosna i Hercegovina,Bosna i Hercegovina,Bosna i Hercegovina,Bosna i Hercegovina, Svetog Save dedovina,Svetog Save dedovina,Svetog Save dedovina,Svetog Save dedovina,

S tobom slave slavu, Svetitelja Savu.S tobom slave slavu, Svetitelja Savu.S tobom slave slavu, Svetitelja Savu.S tobom slave slavu, Svetitelja Savu.

Oj Srbijo premila, sestro Svete Gore,Oj Srbijo premila, sestro Svete Gore,Oj Srbijo premila, sestro Svete Gore,Oj Srbijo premila, sestro Svete Gore, Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvore;Savine dvore;Savine dvore;Savine dvore;

Tam’ pocetak srpskoj slavi,Tam’ pocetak srpskoj slavi,Tam’ pocetak srpskoj slavi,Tam’ pocetak srpskoj slavi, Srpske crkve mudroj glavi;Srpske crkve mudroj glavi;Srpske crkve mudroj glavi;Srpske crkve mudroj glavi;

Savi, Srbi, pojte pesmu I utrojte!Savi, Srbi, pojte pesmu I utrojte!Savi, Srbi, pojte pesmu I utrojte!Savi, Srbi, pojte pesmu I utrojte!

Zdravo, Sreme, Banate i Srbijo stara!Zdravo, Sreme, Banate i Srbijo stara!Zdravo, Sreme, Banate i Srbijo stara!Zdravo, Sreme, Banate i Srbijo stara! Fruska Goro, cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara!Fruska Goro, cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara!Fruska Goro, cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara!Fruska Goro, cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara!

Crna Goro sestro mila,Crna Goro sestro mila,Crna Goro sestro mila,Crna Goro sestro mila, Zdravo i ti s nama bila, Zdravo i ti s nama bila, Zdravo i ti s nama bila, Zdravo i ti s nama bila,

Da slavimo slavu, Da slavimo slavu, Da slavimo slavu, Da slavimo slavu, svetog oca Savu.svetog oca Savu.svetog oca Savu.svetog oca Savu.

Milesevo slavi se telom svetog Save,Milesevo slavi se telom svetog Save,Milesevo slavi se telom svetog Save,Milesevo slavi se telom svetog Save, Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save.Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save.Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save.Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save.

Sinan pasa vatru pali,Sinan pasa vatru pali,Sinan pasa vatru pali,Sinan pasa vatru pali, Telo svetog Save spali,Telo svetog Save spali,Telo svetog Save spali,Telo svetog Save spali,

Al’ ne spali slave, niti pomen Save. Al’ ne spali slave, niti pomen Save. Al’ ne spali slave, niti pomen Save. Al’ ne spali slave, niti pomen Save.

SVETI SAVA – JANUARY 27TH

Saint Sava (Serbian: Свети Сава, Sveti Sava) (c. 1175 – 14 January 1235) was a Serbian nobleman and Orthodox monk, the first Archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church, the originator

of Serbian legislation and literature, the founder of the Monastery of Hilandar on Mount Athos, and a diplomat. He became a monk as a youth, receiving his monastic name Sava; his secular name was

Rastko Nemanjić (Растко Немањић). He was the youngest son of Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja and so member of the royal House of Nemanjić.

Saint Sava heavily influenced Serbian medieval literature. In 1219 he published the first constitution in Serbia—St. Sava's Nomocanon (Zakonopravilo in Serbian). It was a compilation of civil law based on

Roman law, and canon law based on Ecumenical Councils. Its purpose was to establish a codified legal system in the young Serbian kingdom, and to regulate the government of the Serbian Church. Yet his greatest achievement was the establishment of the autocephalous (independent) Serbian Church as a

national church of Serbia in 1217.

He is widely considered as one of the most important figures of Serbian history, and is canonized and venerated by the Serbian Orthodox Church. His life and personal devotion to Serbian people has been interpreted in many artistic works from the Middle Ages to modern times. The Cathedral of Saint Sava

in Belgrade carries his name, and is the largest in the Orthodox Church.

Early life

Rastko was born c. 1175 in Gradina (near modern-day Podgorica, Montenegro).

According to his hagiography, in his youth (c. 1192) he fled from his home to join the Orthodox monastic colony on Mount Athos (Holy Mountain on the Chalkidiki peninsula) and was given the name Sava. He first traveled to a Russian monastery and then moved to the Greek monastery of Vatopedi. At

the end of 1197 his father, who on becoming a monk was named Simeon, joined him. In 1198, they together moved to and restored the abandoned monastery Hilandar (Chilandari, in French) which, since

that moment, became the center of Serbian Christian monastic life. Hilandar is one of the twenty monasteries on Mount Athos that still function, and its position in the hierarchy is fourth.

St. Sava's father took the monastic vows under the name Simeon and died in Hilandar on February 13, 1199. He is also canonised, as Saint Simeon.

Serbian Orthodox Church

After his father's death, Sava devoted himself to the ascetic life and went to a chapel in Karyes, which he built in 1199. He also wrote the Karyes Typicon valid for both Hilandar and his skete. The typicon

has been inscribed onto a marble board and still stands there. Sava stayed at Mount Athos till the end of 1207.

In 1208 Sava returned to Serbia to reconcile his brothers, since their rivalry brought the state to the edge of civil war. Sava set up his base at Studenica Monastery, and started to organize the Serbian Orthodox Church. He had brought with him several monks to help him to perform his pastoral and

missionary duty among the people. Since the Roman Catholic Church already had ambitions to spread its influence to the Balkans as well, Stefan used these propitious circumstances to obtain his crown

from the Pope, thereby becoming the first Serbian king, in 1217. In Byzantium Sava managed to secure autocephaly (independence) for the Serbian Church and became the first Serbian archiepiscope. In

1219 Sava was consecrated the first archiepiscope of the new Serbian Church by Patriarch Manuel I of Constantinople, who was then in exile at Nicaea. In the same year Sava published Zakonopravilo (St.

Sava's Nomocanon). Thus the Serbs acquired both forms of independence: political and religious.

Saint Sava is considered the founder of the independent Serbian Orthodox Church and Serbian Orthodox Christians celebrate him as saint patron of education and medicine. His legislature

(Nomocanon of St. Sava) made him the first Serbian legislator, which is also important for the history of legal education in Serbia. Saint Sava is canonized and venerated by the Serbian Orthodox Church, as

its founder, on January 27th

according to the Gregorian calendar and on the 14th January according to the Julian calendar. Since the 1830s, Saint Sava has become the patron saint of Serbian schools and schoolchildren.

Second pilgrimage and death

Sava died in Trnovo, capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, during the reign of Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria. According to his Life, he fell ill following the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Epiphany, 12

January 1235. Sava was visiting Trnovo on his way back from the Holy Land, where he had founded a hospice for Syrian pilgrims in Jerusalem and arranged for Serbian monks to be welcomed in the

established monasteries there. He died of pneumonia in the night between Saturday and Sunday, January 14, 1235, and was buried at the Cathedral of the Holy Forty Martyrs in Trnovo where his body

remained until May 6, 1237, when his sacred bones were moved to the monastery Mileseva in southern Serbia. 360 years later, in 1594, the Turks unearthed his remains and took them to Vračar Hill in

Belgrade where they were incinerated by Sinan Pasha on a stake as tactics against the Serb people. The Temple of Saint Sava was built on the place where his remains were burned.

Construction of the Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade, on the Vračar Plateau, began in the 1930s but was terminated by the Second World War. The construction was resumed in 1985 and was completed by 2004. In reality, what is Vračar Hill now used to be outside the city walls and not within easy reach. There used to be a different Vračar Hill where today is located the Tašmajdan. This place was used by

the Ottoman Turks for executions and seems much more likely to have been the spot where Sava's relics were burnt. Also, tradition holds the place of burning to be "Čupina Umka", the tallest point in

Tašmajdan.

Here is the Poem RASTKO (WHO IS KNOCKING? ) written by Vojislav Ilic that has been translated for us by V.Rev. Fr. Dr. Mateja Matejic! Sharing knowledge this way,

Fr. Matejic knows that one of you out there reading this might be the one to VOLUNTEER to say the poem at YOUR CHURCH next St. Sava's Day. Start

practicing now! Thank you, Fr. Matejic! This is wonderful!

Vojislav Ilic RASTKO

Who is knocking at this hour of the night so dark and scary on the gates of silent, sleepy

Holy Mount monastery?

Peaceful dreams of monks at midnight a cry pierced, and they awoke.

“Grey-haired Fathers, open the gates!”- a voice begged. The silence broke…

“Lo! My soul seeks enlightenment,

and my body needs repose. I am sleepy and exhausted,

I am weak, so weak… God knows

But strong is my will which made me come to you and leave my kingdom

to dedicate life to people, to my country and its freedom.

I abandoned Court and crown,

throne and scepter made me weary; I came here to seek enlightenment

in this humble monastery.

Open the gates, honored Fathers!” (This voice filed the hearts with shudder.)

“Accept me, a prince and ruler, as your modest, younger brother.”

Heavy gates were slowly opened.

Hinges squeaked. A frightened owl

spread its wings and flew in darkness like a lost and lonely soul.

At the threshold of the temple,

where God’s name is highly rated, with a lighted torch uplifted the guardian-Father waited.

When he lifted his torch higher the light formed a radiant bow; a boy barefooted and innocent

stood outside in the snow.

His face was pale like an icon. Unkempt hair his head protected.

Yet a wisdom divine, holy, on his forehead was reflected.

The old monk embraced the youngster,

on his forehead a kiss implanted. “We accept you, dear child,” – he said,

“Your wish and plea have been granted.”

Many ages have since gone by, ( All this happened long ago),, many ages have since flown

and many more will yet flow.

But that boy lives even now, deathless, as it is his story.

He was RASTKO, son Nemanja’s, SAINT SAVA, clad in glory.

Burning of the Relics of St. Sava

Saint Sava (Rastko Nemanjić died on 27 January (14 January by the Julian Calendar) 1236 in Trnovo, Bulgaria, while returning from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. His relics were conveyed to the Mileševa Monastery by his nephew King Vladislav. In medieval Serbia, the relics of Saint Sava had great significance, particularly during the Ottoman rule. People would often gather over the relics of their saint to seek solace and cure. Fearing that the rebellion against the Turks might be raised on that very spot, Sinan Pasha of Belgrade ordered the relics of the first archbishop of the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church to be transferred to Belgrade and burned on the Vračar plateau on 27 April (May 10) 1594. The main reason for burning the relics of the Serbian saint was, according to the historians, the Serbian uprising in Banat in 1594, under the leadership of Metropolitan Theodore of Vršac. It was noted that the rebels carried the flag with the image of Saint Sava and the appearance of his face on war flags was crucial for the decision of the Turkish pasha. However, by burning the relics of Saint Sava, Sinan Pasha didn't manage to extinguish the awareness and the importance of St. Sava among the people, but his act had exactly the opposite effect. The body of the saint was burned, but a new power emerged from that flame and that power is still present in the Serbian people and its approach to the Orthodox faith. In 1895, 300 years after the relics of Saint Sava had been burned, the decision was made to erect a magnificent temple "which should be a monument of universal recognition of the Serbian people to St. Sava, as its protector and educator"

Meet the Serbs: Mihailo Obrenovic

Everyone who visits Belgrade knows where this monument is.....

MIHAILO OBRENOVIĆ, the Prince of Serbia from 1839–1842 and again from 1860–1868, was born

September 16 in 1823. The Serbian people built a monument to Prince Mihailo in the center of the

capital Belgrade with the names of the cities he liberated carved on plates: Belgrade, Smederevo,

Kladovo, Šabac, Užice and Soko. In the lower part of the monument there is the Serbian coat of arms

and the inscription "To Prince Mihailo M. Obrenović III. Grateful Serbia".

MIHAILO OBRENOVIĆ (September 4/16, 1823 – May 29/June 10, 1868) was a Prince of Serbia from

1839–1842 and again from 1860–1868. Mihailo was the son of Prince Miloš Obrenović (1780–1860)

and his wife Ljubica Vukomanović (1788–1843, Vienna). He was born in Kragujevac. Initially, Prince

Miloš abdicated in favour of his firstborn Milan II, who was by then terminally ill and died after just

month of rule. So Mihailo came to the throne as a minor, having been born in 1823, and acclaimed

prince on June 25, 1839 upon the abdication of his father and death of his elder brother. In 1842 his

reign came to a halt when he was overthrown by a rebellion led by Toma Vučić‐Perišić, which

enabled the Karađorđević dynasty to accede to the Serbian throne. Finally, Mihailo was accepted

back as Prince of Serbia in September 1860, after the death of his father who had regained the

throne in 1858. For the next eight years he ruled as an enlightened absolutist monarch. During his

second rule People's Assembly was convened just three times, in 1861, 1864 and 1867. Prince

Mihailo's greatest achievement was in persuading the Turkish garrisons to leave Serbia, in 1862

(when the Ottoman Army left the fortresses of Užice and Soko Grad) and 1867 (when the Turks left

their fortifications in Belgrade, Šabac, Smederevo and Kladovo). On 29 May / 10 June 1868, Mihailo

was walking through the park of Košutnjak, near his country residence on the outskirts of Belgrade,

with Katarina and her mother Princess Anka, when they were shot by assassins. Mihailo and Anka

were both killed, and Katarina was wounded. The plot behind the assassination has never been

clarified.

Centennial Publications The Slava season is upon us and the holidays are right around the corner! Our two Centennial publications make a wonderful gift. Faith, History and Tradition, a 224-page hardcover book, is on sale for only $55 and contains beautiful color photos of our St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral as well as detailed narrative on the Orthodox faith, 100 years of parish history and Ravanica traditions. The Commemorative Collection, a 200-page spiral-bound book, also printed in color, is only $10 and includes incredible family histories, heartfelt congratulatory messages and touching memorial tributes. Both books are available for purchase in the Narthex on Sundays and in the Church Office. All proceeds benefit the St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Land Fund. You do not want to miss the opportunity to give these two keepsake publications to your friends, family and Kumovi!

ORTHODOX VISITATION MINISTRY The Orthodox Visitation Ministry of Detroit is an effort by the COCC to help parishes keep in contact with their elderly, shut-in, or otherwise disabled members who can no longerbe physically active in their community. The motto of the group is “Sharing Christ’s Love by Visiting with a Friend”, reminding these brothers and sisters in the Faith that they are not forgotten by their Church. It is a simple but meaningful program that can be adopted by any parish wishing to benefit from this work of the Church. Please contact Karen Todorov or Gail Razook (248 345-9346 | [email protected]).

Sretna BadnjaVece

peace of god! christ is born indeed he is...

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