glas ravanice - st. lazarus serbian orthodox...
TRANSCRIPT
St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
ldquoRavanicardquo
GLAS RAVANICE NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2014 - JANUARY 2015
ST LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL ldquoRAVANICArdquo December 2014 Sunda y Monday Tuesda y Wednesday Thursday Frida y Saturda y
NATIVITY
FAST
NOV28th
THROUGH
JAN 7th
1 FAST
2 FAST
3 FAST
4 FAST ENTRANCE OF
THE
THEOTOKOS
(VAVEDENJE)
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
5 FAST
6 FAST
7 FAST Sun 26 after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGY
930 AM
CSHoly
Communion
Church Mtg
8 FAST
9 FAST
10 FAST St Lazarus
Religious
Discussion
7 PM
Sv Stevan
Decanski
11 FAST Ravanica Choir
Rehearsal
7 PM
Troy Comm
Center
12 FAST
13 FAST
14 FAST Sun 27 after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
Church School Sv Nikola
DayTesla
15 FAST
16 FAST
17 FAST St Lazarus
Religious
Discussion
7 PM
Sv Stevan
Decanski
18 FAST
19 FAST ST
NICHOLAS
SV NIKOLA
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
20 FAST
21 FAST Sun 28 after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGY
10 AM
DETINJCI
(Serbian
Childrenrsquos Day)
22 FAST
23 FAST
24 FAST
25 FAST
26 FAST
27 FAST
28 FAST Sun 29 after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGY
10 AM
MATERICE
(Serbian
Motherrsquos Day)
29 FAST
30 FAST
31 FAST
- Znak za post Sign for fasting
DONrsquoT FORGET
SUN DEC 14th
PRE-HOLIDAY
SUNDAY
Sveti Nikola
NTesla
Program
Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of
Trees
After Church
Please Join
Us
COME VISIT
OUR CHURCH
LIBRARY
ST LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL ldquoRAVANICArdquo January 2015
Sunda y Monday Tuesda y Wednesday Thursday Frida y Saturda y
1 FAST
2 FAST Ravanica Choir
Rehearsal
7 PM Troy Comm
Center
3 FAST
4 FAST 30th Sun after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
5 FAST
Serbian Fatherrsquos
Day
6 STRICT
FAST
CHRISTMAS EVE
BADNJI DAN
DIVINE
LITURGY 9 AM
BADNJE VECE
SERVICE 6 PM
DINNER 7 PM
7 NATIVITY
OF OUR
LORD MIR BOZIJI
HRISTOS SE
RODI DIVINE
LITURGY 10 AM
10 AM
8 Sabor Presvete
Bogorodice
Synaxis of the
Most Holy
Theotokos
Divine Liturgy
9 AM
9 NO FAST Sv
Prvomucenik i
Arhidjakon
Stefan
St Stephen the
First Martyr
Divine Liturgy
9 AM
10
11 31th Sun
after Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
12
13
14 FAST ST BASIL THE
GREAT DIVINE
LITURGY 9 AM
Srecna Nova
Godina
15
16FAST
17
18 32nd Sun
after Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
Choir Annual
Mtg
19 THEOPHANY
BOGOJAVLJNJE
Blessing of the
Waters
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
20 Sv Jovan
Krstitelj
St John the
Baptist
Divine Liturgy
9 AM
21FAST
22
23FAST
24 SV SAVA CELEBRATION
Vesper 5 PM
Sv Sava
Program
25
26
27 SV SAVA
ST SAVA
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
28FAST
29
30FAST
31
Znak za post
- Sign for fasting
--------------------
------------- ------------------------------------
J-(e(p 13eautify our Catfiearafor the C1rist1nas J-[oCid(xy
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$500 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 till 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 Bags $____________
In Memory 01___________________________________
For Health of
Please make all checks payable to St Lazarus Ravanica
- ~~ bull - I j j t middot p lgt- ishyt bulltshyi~ i- i
li New Year s bulli shy
) Ishy~Eve
l
CelebratIon l
1Music by Bora r)
1i Sl(orici _ Wednesday December 31 2014 t t American Serbian Memorial Hall t l Admission and Dinner Tickets -
bull
i i
1 i middoti middot l
gt f (
$6000 Per Person 0 Bpen ar
Coc tails 800 P lVI
t n
i
Dinner 900 M i shyi
Tables of 8 j
t-Ticlcets avalable at rIall Offices
Call 313-366-9668 i
I shyIIbullbullbull1 ~ 1shy
From the Churchrsquos Recordshellip
BAPTISMS
Nikayla Dordeski ndash Nov 15 2014 Parents Dragan amp Mercedes Dordeski Sophia Bogoevski ndash Nov 16 2014 Parents Milkoj amp Valerie Bogoevski Simon Miladin - Nov 22 2014 Parents Nikola amp Gwendol Miladin Justin Robinson ndash Nov 22 2014 Parents Donald amp Kimberly Robinson William Milosavleski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Justin amp Victoria Milosavleski Toby Sibinovski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Todor amp Lei Lai Lani Sibinovski Jovan Ciric ndash Nov 30 2014 Parent Marijana Ciric George Romac Jr ndash Dec 20 2014 Parents George amp Kristen Romac 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 +Mito Matic ndash Nov 21 2014 +Jovan Misovski ndash Nov 25 2014 +Zivko Erdeljan ndash Nov 26 2014 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
Although some people like to give monetary or other gifts on Orthodox Christmas
the very BEST gifts you can give in the name of the Christ Child are these
The Gift of Love
Forgiveness to your enemies Tolerance to your opponents Your heart to a faithful friend Charity to all you encounter A good example to children
Self-respect for yourself The Gift of Patience
The Gift of Understanding The Gift of Thoughfulness-
a kind word of encourage-ment a smile an attentive ear The Gift of Caring
Dont be indifferent to the needs of your neighbor-- there are those around us who hunger--not just for food but for love and attention
CHRIST is the greatest GIFT the world has ever received
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME TOTOTOTO ST ST ST ST LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS SERBIANSERBIANSERBIANSERBIAN ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL
Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy Please enter with reverence thanksgiving and worship in the ldquonaverdquo 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 ldquoSmall Entrancerdquo ldquoGreat Entrancerdquo ldquoEpistlesrdquo and ldquoGospel Readingsrdquo 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 httpravanicaorg
May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth for 2015for 2015for 2015for 2015
Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 2015555 godinigodinigodinigodini
Mir Bozji Hristos se Rodi
Peace of God Christ is born
Vaistinu se Rodi Indeed He is Born
V Rev Zivan Urosev
St Lazarus ldquoRavanicardquo Church Ex Board
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
ST LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL ldquoRAVANICArdquo December 2014 Sunda y Monday Tuesda y Wednesday Thursday Frida y Saturda y
NATIVITY
FAST
NOV28th
THROUGH
JAN 7th
1 FAST
2 FAST
3 FAST
4 FAST ENTRANCE OF
THE
THEOTOKOS
(VAVEDENJE)
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
5 FAST
6 FAST
7 FAST Sun 26 after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGY
930 AM
CSHoly
Communion
Church Mtg
8 FAST
9 FAST
10 FAST St Lazarus
Religious
Discussion
7 PM
Sv Stevan
Decanski
11 FAST Ravanica Choir
Rehearsal
7 PM
Troy Comm
Center
12 FAST
13 FAST
14 FAST Sun 27 after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
Church School Sv Nikola
DayTesla
15 FAST
16 FAST
17 FAST St Lazarus
Religious
Discussion
7 PM
Sv Stevan
Decanski
18 FAST
19 FAST ST
NICHOLAS
SV NIKOLA
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
20 FAST
21 FAST Sun 28 after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGY
10 AM
DETINJCI
(Serbian
Childrenrsquos Day)
22 FAST
23 FAST
24 FAST
25 FAST
26 FAST
27 FAST
28 FAST Sun 29 after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGY
10 AM
MATERICE
(Serbian
Motherrsquos Day)
29 FAST
30 FAST
31 FAST
- Znak za post Sign for fasting
DONrsquoT FORGET
SUN DEC 14th
PRE-HOLIDAY
SUNDAY
Sveti Nikola
NTesla
Program
Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of
Trees
After Church
Please Join
Us
COME VISIT
OUR CHURCH
LIBRARY
ST LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL ldquoRAVANICArdquo January 2015
Sunda y Monday Tuesda y Wednesday Thursday Frida y Saturda y
1 FAST
2 FAST Ravanica Choir
Rehearsal
7 PM Troy Comm
Center
3 FAST
4 FAST 30th Sun after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
5 FAST
Serbian Fatherrsquos
Day
6 STRICT
FAST
CHRISTMAS EVE
BADNJI DAN
DIVINE
LITURGY 9 AM
BADNJE VECE
SERVICE 6 PM
DINNER 7 PM
7 NATIVITY
OF OUR
LORD MIR BOZIJI
HRISTOS SE
RODI DIVINE
LITURGY 10 AM
10 AM
8 Sabor Presvete
Bogorodice
Synaxis of the
Most Holy
Theotokos
Divine Liturgy
9 AM
9 NO FAST Sv
Prvomucenik i
Arhidjakon
Stefan
St Stephen the
First Martyr
Divine Liturgy
9 AM
10
11 31th Sun
after Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
12
13
14 FAST ST BASIL THE
GREAT DIVINE
LITURGY 9 AM
Srecna Nova
Godina
15
16FAST
17
18 32nd Sun
after Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
Choir Annual
Mtg
19 THEOPHANY
BOGOJAVLJNJE
Blessing of the
Waters
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
20 Sv Jovan
Krstitelj
St John the
Baptist
Divine Liturgy
9 AM
21FAST
22
23FAST
24 SV SAVA CELEBRATION
Vesper 5 PM
Sv Sava
Program
25
26
27 SV SAVA
ST SAVA
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
28FAST
29
30FAST
31
Znak za post
- Sign for fasting
--------------------
------------- ------------------------------------
J-(e(p 13eautify our Catfiearafor the C1rist1nas J-[oCid(xy
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$500 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 till 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 Bags $____________
In Memory 01___________________________________
For Health of
Please make all checks payable to St Lazarus Ravanica
- ~~ bull - I j j t middot p lgt- ishyt bulltshyi~ i- i
li New Year s bulli shy
) Ishy~Eve
l
CelebratIon l
1Music by Bora r)
1i Sl(orici _ Wednesday December 31 2014 t t American Serbian Memorial Hall t l Admission and Dinner Tickets -
bull
i i
1 i middoti middot l
gt f (
$6000 Per Person 0 Bpen ar
Coc tails 800 P lVI
t n
i
Dinner 900 M i shyi
Tables of 8 j
t-Ticlcets avalable at rIall Offices
Call 313-366-9668 i
I shyIIbullbullbull1 ~ 1shy
From the Churchrsquos Recordshellip
BAPTISMS
Nikayla Dordeski ndash Nov 15 2014 Parents Dragan amp Mercedes Dordeski Sophia Bogoevski ndash Nov 16 2014 Parents Milkoj amp Valerie Bogoevski Simon Miladin - Nov 22 2014 Parents Nikola amp Gwendol Miladin Justin Robinson ndash Nov 22 2014 Parents Donald amp Kimberly Robinson William Milosavleski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Justin amp Victoria Milosavleski Toby Sibinovski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Todor amp Lei Lai Lani Sibinovski Jovan Ciric ndash Nov 30 2014 Parent Marijana Ciric George Romac Jr ndash Dec 20 2014 Parents George amp Kristen Romac 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 +Mito Matic ndash Nov 21 2014 +Jovan Misovski ndash Nov 25 2014 +Zivko Erdeljan ndash Nov 26 2014 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
Although some people like to give monetary or other gifts on Orthodox Christmas
the very BEST gifts you can give in the name of the Christ Child are these
The Gift of Love
Forgiveness to your enemies Tolerance to your opponents Your heart to a faithful friend Charity to all you encounter A good example to children
Self-respect for yourself The Gift of Patience
The Gift of Understanding The Gift of Thoughfulness-
a kind word of encourage-ment a smile an attentive ear The Gift of Caring
Dont be indifferent to the needs of your neighbor-- there are those around us who hunger--not just for food but for love and attention
CHRIST is the greatest GIFT the world has ever received
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME TOTOTOTO ST ST ST ST LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS SERBIANSERBIANSERBIANSERBIAN ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL
Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy Please enter with reverence thanksgiving and worship in the ldquonaverdquo 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 ldquoSmall Entrancerdquo ldquoGreat Entrancerdquo ldquoEpistlesrdquo and ldquoGospel Readingsrdquo 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 httpravanicaorg
May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth for 2015for 2015for 2015for 2015
Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 2015555 godinigodinigodinigodini
Mir Bozji Hristos se Rodi
Peace of God Christ is born
Vaistinu se Rodi Indeed He is Born
V Rev Zivan Urosev
St Lazarus ldquoRavanicardquo Church Ex Board
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
ST LAZARUS SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL ldquoRAVANICArdquo January 2015
Sunda y Monday Tuesda y Wednesday Thursday Frida y Saturda y
1 FAST
2 FAST Ravanica Choir
Rehearsal
7 PM Troy Comm
Center
3 FAST
4 FAST 30th Sun after
Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
5 FAST
Serbian Fatherrsquos
Day
6 STRICT
FAST
CHRISTMAS EVE
BADNJI DAN
DIVINE
LITURGY 9 AM
BADNJE VECE
SERVICE 6 PM
DINNER 7 PM
7 NATIVITY
OF OUR
LORD MIR BOZIJI
HRISTOS SE
RODI DIVINE
LITURGY 10 AM
10 AM
8 Sabor Presvete
Bogorodice
Synaxis of the
Most Holy
Theotokos
Divine Liturgy
9 AM
9 NO FAST Sv
Prvomucenik i
Arhidjakon
Stefan
St Stephen the
First Martyr
Divine Liturgy
9 AM
10
11 31th Sun
after Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
12
13
14 FAST ST BASIL THE
GREAT DIVINE
LITURGY 9 AM
Srecna Nova
Godina
15
16FAST
17
18 32nd Sun
after Pentecost
DIVINE
LITURGYCS
10 AM
Choir Annual
Mtg
19 THEOPHANY
BOGOJAVLJNJE
Blessing of the
Waters
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
20 Sv Jovan
Krstitelj
St John the
Baptist
Divine Liturgy
9 AM
21FAST
22
23FAST
24 SV SAVA CELEBRATION
Vesper 5 PM
Sv Sava
Program
25
26
27 SV SAVA
ST SAVA
DIVINE
LITURGY
9 AM
28FAST
29
30FAST
31
Znak za post
- Sign for fasting
--------------------
------------- ------------------------------------
J-(e(p 13eautify our Catfiearafor the C1rist1nas J-[oCid(xy
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$500 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 till 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 Bags $____________
In Memory 01___________________________________
For Health of
Please make all checks payable to St Lazarus Ravanica
- ~~ bull - I j j t middot p lgt- ishyt bulltshyi~ i- i
li New Year s bulli shy
) Ishy~Eve
l
CelebratIon l
1Music by Bora r)
1i Sl(orici _ Wednesday December 31 2014 t t American Serbian Memorial Hall t l Admission and Dinner Tickets -
bull
i i
1 i middoti middot l
gt f (
$6000 Per Person 0 Bpen ar
Coc tails 800 P lVI
t n
i
Dinner 900 M i shyi
Tables of 8 j
t-Ticlcets avalable at rIall Offices
Call 313-366-9668 i
I shyIIbullbullbull1 ~ 1shy
From the Churchrsquos Recordshellip
BAPTISMS
Nikayla Dordeski ndash Nov 15 2014 Parents Dragan amp Mercedes Dordeski Sophia Bogoevski ndash Nov 16 2014 Parents Milkoj amp Valerie Bogoevski Simon Miladin - Nov 22 2014 Parents Nikola amp Gwendol Miladin Justin Robinson ndash Nov 22 2014 Parents Donald amp Kimberly Robinson William Milosavleski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Justin amp Victoria Milosavleski Toby Sibinovski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Todor amp Lei Lai Lani Sibinovski Jovan Ciric ndash Nov 30 2014 Parent Marijana Ciric George Romac Jr ndash Dec 20 2014 Parents George amp Kristen Romac 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 +Mito Matic ndash Nov 21 2014 +Jovan Misovski ndash Nov 25 2014 +Zivko Erdeljan ndash Nov 26 2014 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
Although some people like to give monetary or other gifts on Orthodox Christmas
the very BEST gifts you can give in the name of the Christ Child are these
The Gift of Love
Forgiveness to your enemies Tolerance to your opponents Your heart to a faithful friend Charity to all you encounter A good example to children
Self-respect for yourself The Gift of Patience
The Gift of Understanding The Gift of Thoughfulness-
a kind word of encourage-ment a smile an attentive ear The Gift of Caring
Dont be indifferent to the needs of your neighbor-- there are those around us who hunger--not just for food but for love and attention
CHRIST is the greatest GIFT the world has ever received
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME TOTOTOTO ST ST ST ST LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS SERBIANSERBIANSERBIANSERBIAN ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL
Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy Please enter with reverence thanksgiving and worship in the ldquonaverdquo 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 ldquoSmall Entrancerdquo ldquoGreat Entrancerdquo ldquoEpistlesrdquo and ldquoGospel Readingsrdquo 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 httpravanicaorg
May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth for 2015for 2015for 2015for 2015
Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 2015555 godinigodinigodinigodini
Mir Bozji Hristos se Rodi
Peace of God Christ is born
Vaistinu se Rodi Indeed He is Born
V Rev Zivan Urosev
St Lazarus ldquoRavanicardquo Church Ex Board
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
--------------------
------------- ------------------------------------
J-(e(p 13eautify our Catfiearafor the C1rist1nas J-[oCid(xy
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$500 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 till 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 Bags $____________
In Memory 01___________________________________
For Health of
Please make all checks payable to St Lazarus Ravanica
- ~~ bull - I j j t middot p lgt- ishyt bulltshyi~ i- i
li New Year s bulli shy
) Ishy~Eve
l
CelebratIon l
1Music by Bora r)
1i Sl(orici _ Wednesday December 31 2014 t t American Serbian Memorial Hall t l Admission and Dinner Tickets -
bull
i i
1 i middoti middot l
gt f (
$6000 Per Person 0 Bpen ar
Coc tails 800 P lVI
t n
i
Dinner 900 M i shyi
Tables of 8 j
t-Ticlcets avalable at rIall Offices
Call 313-366-9668 i
I shyIIbullbullbull1 ~ 1shy
From the Churchrsquos Recordshellip
BAPTISMS
Nikayla Dordeski ndash Nov 15 2014 Parents Dragan amp Mercedes Dordeski Sophia Bogoevski ndash Nov 16 2014 Parents Milkoj amp Valerie Bogoevski Simon Miladin - Nov 22 2014 Parents Nikola amp Gwendol Miladin Justin Robinson ndash Nov 22 2014 Parents Donald amp Kimberly Robinson William Milosavleski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Justin amp Victoria Milosavleski Toby Sibinovski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Todor amp Lei Lai Lani Sibinovski Jovan Ciric ndash Nov 30 2014 Parent Marijana Ciric George Romac Jr ndash Dec 20 2014 Parents George amp Kristen Romac 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 +Mito Matic ndash Nov 21 2014 +Jovan Misovski ndash Nov 25 2014 +Zivko Erdeljan ndash Nov 26 2014 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
Although some people like to give monetary or other gifts on Orthodox Christmas
the very BEST gifts you can give in the name of the Christ Child are these
The Gift of Love
Forgiveness to your enemies Tolerance to your opponents Your heart to a faithful friend Charity to all you encounter A good example to children
Self-respect for yourself The Gift of Patience
The Gift of Understanding The Gift of Thoughfulness-
a kind word of encourage-ment a smile an attentive ear The Gift of Caring
Dont be indifferent to the needs of your neighbor-- there are those around us who hunger--not just for food but for love and attention
CHRIST is the greatest GIFT the world has ever received
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME TOTOTOTO ST ST ST ST LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS SERBIANSERBIANSERBIANSERBIAN ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL
Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy Please enter with reverence thanksgiving and worship in the ldquonaverdquo 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 ldquoSmall Entrancerdquo ldquoGreat Entrancerdquo ldquoEpistlesrdquo and ldquoGospel Readingsrdquo 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 httpravanicaorg
May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth for 2015for 2015for 2015for 2015
Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 2015555 godinigodinigodinigodini
Mir Bozji Hristos se Rodi
Peace of God Christ is born
Vaistinu se Rodi Indeed He is Born
V Rev Zivan Urosev
St Lazarus ldquoRavanicardquo Church Ex Board
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
- ~~ bull - I j j t middot p lgt- ishyt bulltshyi~ i- i
li New Year s bulli shy
) Ishy~Eve
l
CelebratIon l
1Music by Bora r)
1i Sl(orici _ Wednesday December 31 2014 t t American Serbian Memorial Hall t l Admission and Dinner Tickets -
bull
i i
1 i middoti middot l
gt f (
$6000 Per Person 0 Bpen ar
Coc tails 800 P lVI
t n
i
Dinner 900 M i shyi
Tables of 8 j
t-Ticlcets avalable at rIall Offices
Call 313-366-9668 i
I shyIIbullbullbull1 ~ 1shy
From the Churchrsquos Recordshellip
BAPTISMS
Nikayla Dordeski ndash Nov 15 2014 Parents Dragan amp Mercedes Dordeski Sophia Bogoevski ndash Nov 16 2014 Parents Milkoj amp Valerie Bogoevski Simon Miladin - Nov 22 2014 Parents Nikola amp Gwendol Miladin Justin Robinson ndash Nov 22 2014 Parents Donald amp Kimberly Robinson William Milosavleski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Justin amp Victoria Milosavleski Toby Sibinovski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Todor amp Lei Lai Lani Sibinovski Jovan Ciric ndash Nov 30 2014 Parent Marijana Ciric George Romac Jr ndash Dec 20 2014 Parents George amp Kristen Romac 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 +Mito Matic ndash Nov 21 2014 +Jovan Misovski ndash Nov 25 2014 +Zivko Erdeljan ndash Nov 26 2014 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
Although some people like to give monetary or other gifts on Orthodox Christmas
the very BEST gifts you can give in the name of the Christ Child are these
The Gift of Love
Forgiveness to your enemies Tolerance to your opponents Your heart to a faithful friend Charity to all you encounter A good example to children
Self-respect for yourself The Gift of Patience
The Gift of Understanding The Gift of Thoughfulness-
a kind word of encourage-ment a smile an attentive ear The Gift of Caring
Dont be indifferent to the needs of your neighbor-- there are those around us who hunger--not just for food but for love and attention
CHRIST is the greatest GIFT the world has ever received
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME TOTOTOTO ST ST ST ST LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS SERBIANSERBIANSERBIANSERBIAN ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL
Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy Please enter with reverence thanksgiving and worship in the ldquonaverdquo 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 ldquoSmall Entrancerdquo ldquoGreat Entrancerdquo ldquoEpistlesrdquo and ldquoGospel Readingsrdquo 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 httpravanicaorg
May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth for 2015for 2015for 2015for 2015
Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 2015555 godinigodinigodinigodini
Mir Bozji Hristos se Rodi
Peace of God Christ is born
Vaistinu se Rodi Indeed He is Born
V Rev Zivan Urosev
St Lazarus ldquoRavanicardquo Church Ex Board
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
From the Churchrsquos Recordshellip
BAPTISMS
Nikayla Dordeski ndash Nov 15 2014 Parents Dragan amp Mercedes Dordeski Sophia Bogoevski ndash Nov 16 2014 Parents Milkoj amp Valerie Bogoevski Simon Miladin - Nov 22 2014 Parents Nikola amp Gwendol Miladin Justin Robinson ndash Nov 22 2014 Parents Donald amp Kimberly Robinson William Milosavleski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Justin amp Victoria Milosavleski Toby Sibinovski ndash Nov 23 2014 Parents Todor amp Lei Lai Lani Sibinovski Jovan Ciric ndash Nov 30 2014 Parent Marijana Ciric George Romac Jr ndash Dec 20 2014 Parents George amp Kristen Romac 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 +Mito Matic ndash Nov 21 2014 +Jovan Misovski ndash Nov 25 2014 +Zivko Erdeljan ndash Nov 26 2014 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
Although some people like to give monetary or other gifts on Orthodox Christmas
the very BEST gifts you can give in the name of the Christ Child are these
The Gift of Love
Forgiveness to your enemies Tolerance to your opponents Your heart to a faithful friend Charity to all you encounter A good example to children
Self-respect for yourself The Gift of Patience
The Gift of Understanding The Gift of Thoughfulness-
a kind word of encourage-ment a smile an attentive ear The Gift of Caring
Dont be indifferent to the needs of your neighbor-- there are those around us who hunger--not just for food but for love and attention
CHRIST is the greatest GIFT the world has ever received
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME TOTOTOTO ST ST ST ST LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS SERBIANSERBIANSERBIANSERBIAN ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL
Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy Please enter with reverence thanksgiving and worship in the ldquonaverdquo 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 ldquoSmall Entrancerdquo ldquoGreat Entrancerdquo ldquoEpistlesrdquo and ldquoGospel Readingsrdquo 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 httpravanicaorg
May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth for 2015for 2015for 2015for 2015
Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 2015555 godinigodinigodinigodini
Mir Bozji Hristos se Rodi
Peace of God Christ is born
Vaistinu se Rodi Indeed He is Born
V Rev Zivan Urosev
St Lazarus ldquoRavanicardquo Church Ex Board
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Although some people like to give monetary or other gifts on Orthodox Christmas
the very BEST gifts you can give in the name of the Christ Child are these
The Gift of Love
Forgiveness to your enemies Tolerance to your opponents Your heart to a faithful friend Charity to all you encounter A good example to children
Self-respect for yourself The Gift of Patience
The Gift of Understanding The Gift of Thoughfulness-
a kind word of encourage-ment a smile an attentive ear The Gift of Caring
Dont be indifferent to the needs of your neighbor-- there are those around us who hunger--not just for food but for love and attention
CHRIST is the greatest GIFT the world has ever received
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME TOTOTOTO ST ST ST ST LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS SERBIANSERBIANSERBIANSERBIAN ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL
Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy Please enter with reverence thanksgiving and worship in the ldquonaverdquo 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 ldquoSmall Entrancerdquo ldquoGreat Entrancerdquo ldquoEpistlesrdquo and ldquoGospel Readingsrdquo 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 httpravanicaorg
May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth for 2015for 2015for 2015for 2015
Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 2015555 godinigodinigodinigodini
Mir Bozji Hristos se Rodi
Peace of God Christ is born
Vaistinu se Rodi Indeed He is Born
V Rev Zivan Urosev
St Lazarus ldquoRavanicardquo Church Ex Board
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME TOTOTOTO ST ST ST ST LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS LAZARUS SERBIANSERBIANSERBIANSERBIAN ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL CATHEDRAL
Welcome to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy Please enter with reverence thanksgiving and worship in the ldquonaverdquo 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 ldquoSmall Entrancerdquo ldquoGreat Entrancerdquo ldquoEpistlesrdquo and ldquoGospel Readingsrdquo 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 httpravanicaorg
May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth for 2015for 2015for 2015for 2015
Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 2015555 godinigodinigodinigodini
Mir Bozji Hristos se Rodi
Peace of God Christ is born
Vaistinu se Rodi Indeed He is Born
V Rev Zivan Urosev
St Lazarus ldquoRavanicardquo Church Ex Board
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the May your heart be filled with the joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy joys and blessings of this Holy Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Nativity Season and may Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and Almighty God grant you and your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health your loved ones good health prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth prosperity and spiritual growth for 2015for 2015for 2015for 2015
Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno Neka vase srce bude ispunjeno radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o radoscu i blagoslovom o Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Bozicnim Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Praznicima i neka Vama i Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje Vasima Milostivi Gospod daruje zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni zdravlje naredak i duhovni uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 201uzrast u 2015555 godinigodinigodinigodini
Mir Bozji Hristos se Rodi
Peace of God Christ is born
Vaistinu se Rodi Indeed He is Born
V Rev Zivan Urosev
St Lazarus ldquoRavanicardquo Church Ex Board
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Church Executive Board
Cathedral Dean V Rev Zivan Urosev-
President Mike Balow-mikebalowgmailcom
1st
Vice President Michael Timarac-mtimaracyahoocom
2nd
Vice President Bogdan Beslach -butchbeslachcomcastnet
Treasurer Gregory Borchich-
Recording Secretary Milan Golusin-milangolusingmailcom
Financial Secretary Roy Downie ndash rdownie2gmailcom
Audit Chairman Bosko Vulinovic ndashbvulinovicwowwaycom
Members at Large
Member at Large Ruza Batanjski ndash rosemarybatgmailcom
Member at Large Zivorad Petrovich ndashjimpetrovichHPcom
Member at Large Donna Rajkovic ndashdonna-rajkovicyahoocom
Member at Large Boban Trajcevski ndash bobanthotmailcom
Parish Secretary Sheryl Zatezalo
Affiliated Organizations
St Lazarus Church-School Superintendents ndash Dr Ruza Batanjski amp Julie Djurich
St Lazarus Church-School Cultural Program Chairman- Zoran Djurich
Serbian Sisters Ravanica President ndash Donna Rajkovic
Ravanica Pensionerrsquos Club President ndash Branka Misovski
Ravanica Choir President - Dr Milan Chonich
St Lazarus Sports Club David Willman
CHURCH SERVICES
Divine Liturgy ndash Sundays 10 AM
Weekday and Feast Days 9 AM (See Church Calendar)
Church Office Hours Monday Tuesday Wed amp Friday 930 AM-230 PM
Parish Office Phone (313) 893-6025
Parish Office Fax (313) 892-6944
Listen to our ldquoVoice of Ravanicardquo Radio Program ndash Sundays 300-400 PM-WNZK 690 AM
The ldquoGlas ldquo 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
ldquoGlasrdquo Editors Donna and Paul Bielich
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
The Serb Who Connected the World
Mihajlo Pupin ndash 160 Years Since Birth
This year marks 160th anniversary since the birth of Mihajlo Pupin distinguished
Serbian innovator scientist and great patriot The celebration of that jubilee was
held on September 30 in the Rectorate of the Belgrade University as well as in
Chicago USA where he spent the larger part of his life and made a scientific and
university career During World War I he was among the most active Serb
organizers of the volunteers for the Thessalonica Front and founder of several
charity funds He was one of the first scientists to support the work of another
Serbian great Nikola Tesla Pupin was born in 1854 in Idvor todayrsquos Vojvodina in
a peasant family as one of ten children After attending grammar school he
went to Prague to study the natural sciences and later to America arriving
penniless and without knowledge of the English language It was through those
humble beginnings he rose up to attend Columbia University later continuing his
education at Cambridge and in Germany Eventually he returned to Columbia
where he received a full professorship and remained for 30 years accumulating a
remarkable list of achievements Pupin had patents on many inventions was a
member of several renowned international science associations and held
honorary PhD from 18 universities around the globe He died on March 12 1835
in New York where he was buried at the Woodlawn cemetery in the Bronx
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Dear Friends As the end of the calendar year quickly approaches and you start preparing for your tax appointments at the beginning of the year please keep in mind that there is still time this year to donate generously to our beloved Ravanica A tax credit may help you and will certainly help to support our dear church Whether you contribute to our ldquoGeneral Fundrdquo or to our ldquoLand Fundrdquo it is always appreciated in a heartfelt manner We often see our Serbian friends donate generously to various organizations charities and to the arts How wonderful for us to give when and where we can But we must not forget to donate to our church Our forefathers worked diligently and gave selflessly for us to have what we have today To maintain what we have and to continue in our predecessors work for the present and future we must aspire to have the same fortitude and beliefs they possessed and demonstrated If Ravanica is indeed the church where perhaps you were baptized married had your children baptized or your kolac annually blessed you may wish to show your appreciation and more importantly your support by generously donating one more time before the end of the year As you enter the holiday season and provide gifts to those you love please remember your beloved church St Lazarus Cathedral Ravanica
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Sveti Nikola (St Nicholas) the Wonderworker Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
More than 1600 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 wasnt 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 couldnt 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 Gods 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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
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 Christrsquos 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 Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Serbian Christmas Bread ndash ldquoCesnicardquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo (ldquoChrist is Bornrdquo) and the
answer ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo (ldquoTruly He is Bornrdquo) 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 ldquoRozdestvordquo
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 ldquoHristos Se Rodirdquo and the response ldquoVoistinu Se Rodirdquo 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 Christrsquos Birth The Peace
of God amongst us
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christand Savior Jesus Christ
January 7January 7January 7January 7
Mir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se RodiMir Boziji Hristos Se Rodi Divine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is BornDivine Peace Christ Is Born IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is one of the
most joyful days of the Orthodox Church It
ranks next to the greatest holiday the
Resurrection of Jesus The Feast of the Birth of
Jesus is also known as the ldquoIncarnation of
Christrdquo This means that Jesus became a man and
came into the world to save us We also
refer to this joyous feast as Christmas
Biblical Story
The story of the Nativity of Christ is beautifully
told in the Holy Scriptures The story is found in
Matthew 118-26 and in Luke 21-20 No matter
How often the Birth of Jesus is told we realize that
it is an important event
As the story is told by the Apostles the Roman Empire was powerful The Romans had
conquered much of the then known world Judea and Samaria what we know today as
Israel were included in their conquests Emperor Augustus ordered that a census be taken
in all his lands He needed to know how many people lived in the empire so he could tax
them Everyone had to go to the town of their familyrsquos origin to register for the census
This meant that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem They were descendants of King
David and Bethlehem was the City of David
Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth and it was a great distance from Bethlehem It was about
100 miles over very rugged roads Moreover Mary was expecting the baby and it was
almost time for her to give birth Bethlehem was a small town and there were many
descendants of David who had come to register for the census By the time Mary and Joseph
arrived in Bethlehem there was no place for them to stay Joseph tried very hard to find a
place to sleep that evening There was no room at the inn Finally Joseph found a cave-like
place where they could rest This place was used by shepherds to protect their sheep in
stormy weather It was here that Mary gave birth to Jesus The baby was wrapped in
swaddling clothes and laid in the straw in the manger
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
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
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
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 Mothers Day or Materice (ma-te-ri-tse) The third Sunday Ocevi (0shyche-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 cershytain fee in order to regain their freedom First the children are ransomed to the parshyents 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 Tucinshy
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 Christshymas 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 sershyvices 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 famshyily members gather around the table (Sofra)
Since this is a joyous and exciting moshyment Father must call everyone to attenshytion 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()~destVo TVoje RozeiestCo Tvoje Hriste Boze nllS VOZSUlt mir()f) sjet mllUla
fnembo zvjezliwn sl1lillSci zvjczeioju tlCahll~ia
Tjebje ~ICfniati~fia solmu prctveii
J tcbje Vjedieti wisoti LOst 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 famishyly members turn the Cesnica together f rom left to right while singing the Christmas hymn Rozdestvo Tvoje (rozhshyjest-vo t-vo-ye) in Church Slavonic the language of the Slavic liturgy Then the Cesnica is broken and each member reshyceives a piece of it with one piece left for the arrival of the Polozajnik (po-Io-zhayshynik) 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 Vaishystinu Hristos se Rodil (Indeed He is born)
Polozajnik (Poleznik) It is difficult to find the exact equivalent
in English for the Polozajnik (po-lo-zhayshynik) 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 lanshyguage indicates its function poloziti (poshylo-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 Gods 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 Poshylozajnik or Poleznik symbolizes Christ and His coming into the world _
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Prologue Reading For Christmas
By St Nikolai Velimirovich
Prologue from Ochrid
The Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
But when the fullness of the time had come God sent forth His Son (Galatians 44) to save the human race
And when nine months were fulfilled from the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel had appeared to the
Most-holy Virgin in Nazareth saying Rejoice thou that art highly favored hellip behold thou shalt conceive in thy
womb and bring forth a Son (Luke 128 31) at that time there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus
that all the people of the Roman Empire should be taxed In accordance with this decree everyone had to go
to his own town and be registered That is why the righteous Joseph came with the Most-holy Virgin to
Bethlehem the city of David for they were both of the royal lineage of David Since many people descended
on this small town for the census Joseph and Mary were unable to find lodging in any house and they sought
shelter in a cave which shepherds used as a sheepfold In this cave the Most-holy Virgin gave birth to the
Savior of the world the Lord Jesus Christ Giving birth to Him without pain just as He was conceived without
sin by the Holy Spirit and not by man she herself wrapped Him in swaddling clothes worshiped Him as God
and laid Him in a manger Then the righteous Joseph drew near and worshiped Him as the Divine Fruit of the
Virgins womb Then the shepherds came in from the fields directed by an angel of God and worshiped Him
as the Messiah and Savior The shepherds heard a multitude of Gods angels singing Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace good will toward men (Luke 214) At that time three wise men arrived from the
east led by a wondrous star bearing their gifts gold frankincense and myrrh They worshiped Him as the King
of kings and offered Him their gifts (Matthew 2) Thus entered the world He Whose coming was foretold by
the prophets and Who was born in the same manner in which it had been prophesied of a Most-holy Virgin
in the town of Bethlehem of the lineage of David according to the flesh at the time when there was no king in
Jerusalem of the lineage of Judah but rather when Herod a foreigner was reigning After many types and
prefigurings messengers and heralds prophets and righteous men wise men and kings finally He appeared
the Lord of the world and King of kings to perform the work of the salvation of mankind which could not be
performed by His servants To Him be eternal glory and praise Amen
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Childrenrsquos Page
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
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
cracklingcracklingcracklingcracklingmdashmdashmdashmdashall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall of these things turn our thoughts to those we loveall 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 Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daydoes Christmas Itrsquos a high and holy daymdashmdashmdashmdasha day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternitya day when the veil is drawn back and we get a fresh view of eternity
Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos a day when our minds go back to that lowly manger in Bethlehem and we hear beyond the noise of our Itrsquos 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 angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo wings We see the materialistic world the soft flutter of angelsrsquo 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 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211) (Matthew 211)
Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Christmas itrsquos 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 HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship HimChristmas night With the shepherds and the wise men let us fall down and worship Him
Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007Taken from the book ldquoThis Christmas Nightrdquo c2007
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
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 the 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 town 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 Lets 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
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Whatrsquos 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 ldquoImmanuelrdquo which means
ldquoGod is with usrdquo On Christmas we
celebrate the birth of Christ who is
the Son of God He came through
the Holy Panagia named Mary
1111
ldquoThe Lord of hosts is with us
the God of Jacob is our refugerdquo
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
Whatrsquos the big deal
about Christmas
anyway
God is no longer invisible
Through the event of Christmas
which is Jesusrsquo 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
ldquoUnto us a Child is born
unto us a Son is givenrdquo
Isaiah 96
ldquoHow 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 meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts meanWhat do the gifts mean
Did you know the word holiday
comes from two words ldquoholyrdquo
and ldquodayrdquo 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 ldquoholy daysrdquo
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
ldquoHow could the human race go to
God if God had not come to usrdquo
St Irenaeus of Lyon
= Jesus is God to the Father
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
CHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMASCHRISTMAS READSREADSREADSREADS Recommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading fromRecommended Reading from our Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Libraryour Ravanica Church Library Paul Bielich
For AdultsFor AdultsFor AdultsFor 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 Godrsquos back Create Space Publishing 2012 How does a dedicated young doctor manage to keep her sanity and protect those she loves amid the bombs Killingsk imprisonments foreign occupations and hunger that characterize life in Europe during two World Wars Behind Godrsquos 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 ChildrenFor ChildrenFor ChildrenFor 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 congregationrsquos 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 amp Dunlap 2009 Illustrations and text tell the classic biblical story of the nativity Skinas John Kosmos From God to you Ancient Faith Publishing 2014 Follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to mindfully consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer 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 Vladimirov Father Artemy Bless o Lord a prayerbook for young children Christ Saviour Brotherhood 1995 Do you wish to pray to God Do you wish to learn the most important prayers If yes then attentively read all that is written in this little holy book Please Note
The Church Library is open on Sundayrsquos following Divine Liturgy from 1200-200 pm
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Small Miracles by Shelia Race
It was Christmas of 1991 We had three daughters ages nine six and nine months We had just buried their beloved grandmother who had lost a long hard fight with cancer
We were exhausted physically mentally and emotionally And it was Christmas Eve And there was a Christmas Eve service that we had to attend
While we were getting the girls dressed my sleep-deprived brain was struggling to remember something Something was missing Something was forgotten And I couldnrsquot put my finger on what it was
The tree was up A midnight trip to Meijers to refill empty cupboards had given me Christmas gifts gleaned from an unexpected clearance sale Those were wrapped and under the tree Stockings were hung My foggy brain could not grasp what it was that was forgotten
Then I remembered
ldquoPaul There are no dolls for the girls I forgot to get them a doll Or something stuffed Something to sleep with rdquo I burst into tears Me the stoic who had read her motherrsquos eulogy at the funeral dry eyed and calm
He tried to reassure me ldquoItrsquos OK Shelia The girls have gifts plenty to unwrap They wonrsquot notice there isnrsquot a doll or stuffed animal It doesnrsquot matter Yoursquove done well for the girls They wonrsquot noticerdquo
But it did matter Maybe not to them but to me
We were poor growing up But Mama always managed Christmas And to Mama Christmas meant a doll for my sister and me And somehow I had failed Mama because I hadnrsquot managed what she had always managed A doll Something to sleep with A tangible sign that Mama was with me
But now there was no time No time to make things right We had to be at the Christmas Eve service and all stores would be closed by the time it was over
So I did what any mother would do Wiped my eyes blew my nose and called the girls to put their coats on And went to Christmas Eve service
After the service an older lady who was herself a grandmother pressed three packages into my hand ldquoFor the girlsrdquo Jean said with her perpetual sweet smile and
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
kind eyes Irsquom sure I thanked her but my heavy heart was already home where I would have to make Christmas special for little ones who no longer had their grandmother
And Paul was right The girls were thrilled with their gifts that Christmas not aware that anything was amiss
Then we let them open Jeanrsquos gifts She had given each girl a handmade doll with yarn hair and a calico dress Soft dolls the kind you can sleep with Lovingly made by a grandmother
The girls were excited of course But I was the one in tears The one who knew that God had whispered into Jeanrsquos ear that Christmas God knew that what I needed wasnrsquot a doll but a certainty that I was not forgotten Not forsaken He cared for my hurts my cares He cared for me
His hands that year were Jeanrsquos hands His words were Jeanrsquos words ldquoFor the girlsrdquo He was still with them With us We were not forgotten not alone
Several Christmases later Jean went home to be with our Lord The girls are grown now and no longer sleep with dolls but Jeanrsquos dolls remain in their ldquokeeper boxesrdquo Each is a reminder of a kind woman who was Godrsquos messenger His angel that year
I still remember Will always remember
Thank you Jean Thank you Lord
Have a blessed Christmas with those you love
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Thank you to the 24 wonderful volunteers who came out and assembled 250 sack lunches The recipients are the people served at the Macomb County Salvation Army shelter and food bank just a couple of miles north of our church Thank you again to everyone
who served today
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Sisters Annual Cookie Tin
Sale
Festival of Trees 2014 Winnern
Serbian Sisters Ravanica
Our hall looked beautiful with the festival of trees lite up during Sveti Nikola This
year the Sisters Tree was everyones fa vorite- with the Church School coming
in a close second
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Our Children did a fantastic job presenting Sveti Nikola Nikolaj Velimirovich and Nikola Tesla
December 14 2014
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
The Children had a
surprised visit from Sveti
Nikola himself who gave
each child a special gift
_ iii eli DlBJ J 1_ amiddot- - -- shy~ ---shy ~~bull - ~ ----shy
Thank you Paul and Donna Bielich for setting our
Nikola Tesla Exhibit for all THE (j1~T OF MENTAL POWER
to enjoy C()MFS FRO1 COrgt DIVINE REINC
A)D Ir WE COJC[WRlTE OUR 1 1J1) UI IH~T TRUTH IH
RFfO VlE IN nJNF WITH THIS
CK f YI POllfK- I KOr~~ESLA (
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Vista Maria
Collection
VISTA MARIA
We would like to thank everyone who sponsored an Angel again tl1is year from our Angel Tree
There are 120 girls wh r side in Vista M ria tlus year We were given 60 iAngels to buy for Christmas We ollected for 30 out of the 60 The glftS were delivered Tuesday
December 16 2014
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Serbian Mothers Day December 282014
Serbian Fathers Day January 42015
Sisters Monthly Meeting (Election Day for new Board)
January 42015
Badnje Vece (Need volunteers to pass out badnjacs)
January 62015
Luminary Bags (Need volunteers to set up pathway)
January 6 2015
Bozic January 7 2015
The Sisters are preparing a monthly observance of our Centennial Anniversary 100 years of Ravania in DetroIt WE NEED YOUR PICTURES We are asking for your St Sava programs weddings christenings slavas holidays and all other picture containing great shots of people and event at Ravanica over the la t 100 years In addition to photos of these events wed really like to see pictures of WWll Vets and Red Cross nurses from Ravanica former board members Sisters events of years past and the construction of the new church Below is our monthly calendar of events
January - 100 years of Sveti Sava February - 100 years of Weddings March - 100 years ofKumstvo
April- 100 years of Easter May - 100 years ofMothersSisters
June - 100 years of Fathers and Church Slava Vidovdan JulyAugust - 100 years of Camps amp Picnics September - 100 years of Choir Celebrations
October 910 amp11- 100 years of Ravanica Celebration November - 100 years of Thanksgiving December - 100 years of Sveti Nikola
Email your pictures to editorravanicao[Q Tell us what is going on in the picture and the approximate date it was taken If you have paper pictures to share please be sure they are copies as we are unable to return submitted photos You may mail them to St Lazarus Centennial Photos 4575 East Outer Drive Detroit MI 48234
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
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 (Mt313-17 Mark 19-11 Luke 321-22)
Baptism of Christ
This observance commemorates Christs baptism by John in the River Jordan and the beginning of Christs 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 timemdashthe Fathers 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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
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 327 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 Lords baptism by John in the Jordan River The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lords 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 WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
BLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATERBLESSING OF WATER By Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy Father Thomas KazichBy 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 ldquoDo thou the same Master sanctify now
also this water by thy Holy Spiritrdquo 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 ldquomanifestationrdquo This refers to the appearance of the
Holy Trinity ndash Father Son and Holy Spirit ndash at Jesusrsquo baptism God the Father revealed that the
Man ndash 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
bull A table with a white cloth
bull An icon
bull A candle
bull Water in a bowl
bull 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 ldquofor the healing of soul and bodyrdquo
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Because Johns 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 ndash 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
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
-- -_____
- - - - -1_- bull---- r --------~ ~ -- ~ - - - ___ I _ -1 bull _ ~ - I JIo _ - I - shy=-~~ -I - - I I _ I
I ~Ie- Ir - r~ i _I - - ~bull [essom 11 ~ ~ - ~ bulll ~~ ~ - 111 IImiddot)middot 0 I - bullbull n bull U ~ I I ~ I I
-~f ~__-1__ amp-~
Saint Sava Becomes a Monk
One of the most amazing people in our history not only in Serbia but in the whole Orthodox world is Saint Sava He was born in 1167 in Serbia His father was a ruler of Serbia Before he became a monk Saint Savas name was Rastko Every time someone becomes a monk he changes his name This name change signifies a change of life Receiving a new name means to start a new life and forget the worldly one
What Does it Mean to be a Monk
When a person becomes a monk he comshymits to three important promises celibacy obedience and poverty Celibacy means the monk remains unmarried Obedience means that the monk will listen to the instructions of his spiritual father and fulfill them And poverty means that the monk will have no material possessions but that everything he earns will go the monastery
Saint Sava Dedicated His Life to the Heavenly Kingdom
Saint Sava is amazing because of his faith and humility Even though he was supposed to become a ruler and take over his fathers throne Saint Sava had a different plan He wanted to dedicate his life to the Heavenly Kingdom He abandoned all earthly glory power and money for a monastic life Reshymember what the Holy Scriptures say for those who humble themselves as Saint Sava did God will give them glory and honor (Proverbs 15 33) and elevate them (Job 22 29 Mat 2312)
Saint Sava knew all of this and by going to the monastery he wanted to prepare himshyself and others for the Heavenly Kingdom When he was seventeen years old he folshylowed a group of monks from Mount Athos and left to become a monk
1
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Saint Sava Gave a Great Example to His Parents
Saint Savas parents Nemanja and Ana were very sad to hear that their son left to become a monk They sent soldiers after the monks to bring Saint Sava back home but Saint Sava refused Following the example of their son Nemanja and Ana also decided to leave their world and join monastic life Nemanja received the name Simeon and Ana received the name Anastasija
Monastery Hilandar
Saint Simeon j oined his son Sava at Mount Athos and the two of them built a huge monshyastery called Hilandar This monastery still exists today and is located in Greece During the time of Turkish slavery Hilandar was the main school and headquarters of Serbian spiritual intellectual and national revival
Independence of the Serbian Church
Saint Sava enjoyed great respect amongst the monks at Mount Athos and in the whole Orthodox World In 1219 he established the Autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and become its first Archbishop Autocephalous means that the Serbian Church was able to elect its own Patriarch and bishops while at the same time being a member of the family of all Orthodox churches
Saint Sava s Relics
When Saint Sava passed away his relics were placed in monastery Mileseva The Turks saw how much Saint Savas relics meant to the Serbs and out of jealousy decided to burn them in the place called Vracar in Belgrade in 1594 The Turks thought that by this act they would break the spirit and faith of the Serbian people But they did not succeed Saint Sava continues to be a source of inspiration and strength for the Serbian faithful
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
St Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp ProgramSt Sava Dinner amp Program
Saturday January 24 2015
Honored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored SvetiHonored Sveti Sava KumoviSava KumoviSava KumoviSava Kumovi
Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic Mike and Donna Rajkovic amp Familyamp Familyamp Familyamp Family Mladi Kum ndash Alex Rajkovic Mlada Kuma ndash Katija Bjedov
Vesper Service 500 PM
Cutting of Slavski Kolac
Delicious Festal Banquet Following Vespers
Church-School Program Follows Dinner
Dance at 9 PM ndash Music by DJ Gogi from Ohio
Come honor our Patron and Father Saint Sava of Serbia
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Svetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska HimnaSvetosavska Himna
Usliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju SaviUsliknimo s ljubavlju Svetitelju Savi Srpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glaviSrpske crkve i skole svetiteljskoj glavi
Tamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slavaTamo venci tamo slava Gde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastirGde nas srpski pastir SavaSavaSavaSava
Pojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte mu Srbi pesmu i utrojtePojte 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 SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju SaviPrema tvome pastiru Svetitelju Savi
Bosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i HercegovinaBosna i Hercegovina Svetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovinaSvetog Save dedovina
S tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja SavuS tobom slave slavu Svetitelja Savu
Oj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete GoreOj Srbijo premila sestro Svete Gore Baci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan naBaci pogled zahvalan na Savine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvoreSavine dvore
Tamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slaviTamrsquo pocetak srpskoj slavi Srpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glaviSrpske crkve mudroj glavi
Savi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojteSavi Srbi pojte pesmu I utrojte
Zdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo staraZdravo Sreme Banate i Srbijo stara Fruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez LazaraFruska Goro cuvaj nam telo Knez Lazara
Crna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna Goro sestro milaCrna 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 Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savusvetog oca Savu
Milesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog SaveMilesevo slavi se telom svetog Save Koga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane SaveKoga slave svi Srbi s obe strane Save
Sinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru paliSinan pasa vatru pali Telo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spaliTelo svetog Save spali
Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save Alrsquo ne spali slave niti pomen Save
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
ST LAZARUS ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 2015 - Tentative Date
100 PM CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual meeting of the St Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Church School
Congregation will take place on SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8th in our Cultural
Center at 100 PM The Annual Meeting hears the reports of the Parish Priest
and the Executive Board on the previous yearrsquos activities adopts an operating
budget for the coming year and elects Executive Board Officers and
Members at Large for the coming year The Annual Meeting also gives the
congregation the opportunity to ask questions receive more information
about the state of the church and enact other business as may come before
the meeting
Stewards of the congregation who have fulfilled all responsibilities of
stewardship during the previous year including sacramental moral and
financial qualifications as enumerated in the congregation Bylaws and
Uniform Rules and Regulations of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the
US and Canada will have the right of voice and may vote at the meeting
Everyone is encouraged to consider offering their services to God and our
Church as an Officer or Board Member for the coming year as part of their
Stewardship of time and talent
Should the meeting not be able to take place for any reason (weather lack of
quorum the meeting will be re-scheduled)
LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AS ALWAYS SO EVERYONE MAY EAT
BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Anniversary 900 years since the birth of Stefan Nemanja
Belgrade - Stefan Nemanja the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty represents a beacon for new
generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state Serbian President
Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary ndash 900 years
since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state Image Wikipedia Image
Wikipedia Stefan Nemanja (1113-1199) was the grand prince of Raska and the founder of the
Nemanjic dynasty of rulers He is considered as one of the most significant Serbian rulers and
alongside his son Sava one of the founders of the Serbian Orthodox Church which celebrates
him as Saint Simeon the Myrrh-streaming The conference which opened at the Rectorate of
the University of Belgrade on Wednesday is dedicated to Stefan Nemanjarsquos role in Serbian
history identity and culture Addressing the conference President Nikolic reminded of the
courage resolve and personal sacrifice of the great Serbian ruler in his efforts to secure
independence for Serbia and strengthen its statehood Stefan Nemanja rose to the throne in a
divided and disunited country but thanks to a wise foreign policy he was capable of
overcoming the difficulties and establishing a strong Serbian state that rivalled even Byzantium
itself Nikolic said This ruler monarch and saint warned that a nation ldquois not a nation without
land language faith and loverdquo introduced Orthodox Christianity as the official religion and
built churches and monasteries that are gems of architecture and fresco painting including
Hilandar on Mt Athos in Greece Nine centuries on we face similar temptations the Serbian
president said adding that to new generations Stefan Nemanjarsquos wise policy should serve as a
beacon defining the direction for preserving the state ldquoHis personal example is the obligation
to protect as the greatest treasure the precious land that has been handed to us temporarily for
safekeepingrdquo Nikolic said ldquoWe will do all that we can to ensure that the Serbs never again
become a nation that everyone can persecute or expel with impunityrdquo Nikolic noted The
conference was also addressed by Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church who said
that Stefan Nemanjarsquos greatness is reflected by a convergence of the church and the state
ldquodemonstrating what kind of life Serbia must leadrdquo
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
S O T AY A for the 21st Century
Serbian Orthodox Teachers Youth and Young Adult Association
With the Blessings of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America and the support of the Central Church Council we announce the reestablishment of the Serbian Orthodox Teachers and Youth Association The purpose of this ministry is to unite the teachers young adults and youth members of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the Dioceses throughout North and South America It is a special forum through which people will be brought closer together through a ministry of faith and fellowship
Junior Sotaya We all must recognize that the home is the most important spiritual arena for Orthodox Christian formation and
practice and expresses what has long been part of the churchrsquos self-understanding The New Testament epistles contain a great deal of references relating to the practice of faith in the context of the household Saint John Chrysostom called the home the ldquolittle churchrdquo Alongside and in support of family homes our parishes are called to give children and young people experiences of faith However no family in and of itself has sufficient perspective resources or capabilities to nurture children into life long commitment For children and young people to grow into Orthodox Christian maturity they need to learn what it is to practice their faith within their bigger and equally important family the family of the baptized the family of the Church Membership in JUNIOR SOTAYA is open to all high school students in the parish During regular meetings in a friendly fun atmosphere JUNIOR SOTAYA members will have the opportunity to discuss matters of faith opportunities for educational and social events and community service The officers of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be appointed by the local parish priest and will consist of a President Vice-President and Secretary and Treasurer The priest will also select a parent coordinator to assist the youth in planning and organizing their activities Local Chapters of JUNIOR SOTAYA will be able to network with other chapters established in their respective diocese as well as throughout North and South America The Standing Committee for Youth Ministry is ready to assist each local chapter of JUNIOR SOTAYA in reaching its goals and will conduct an annual youth conference that will include discussions and activities specifically for JUNIOR SOTAYA representatives
How the following steps can make SOTAYA ministry grow
1 Help your youth leaders learn friendliness skills You cannot build significant relationships with more than a handful of young people You must train both student and adult leaders to make and build relationships We suggest that leaders of your group show up for weekly training one hour prior to the regular youth meeting This way they will be able to greet your youth group members as they arrive Leaders strive to contact their small group members weekly by either email or phone And they have regular get-together outside of church time Therersquos an obvious difference between groups that do things together outside of church and those that donrsquot 2 Make relationship time a priority Every week repeat your emphasis on relationship-building to your leaders And find creative ways to keep your group attentive to it One youth leader announces each week at youth group ldquoLeadership team remember Project Friendrdquo The rest of the group has no idea what this means Itrsquos a cue to leaders to connect with
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
kids who are disconnected or feeling awkward Often we have great intentions but just need reminders We encourage student leaders to assume that some kids are showing up at youth group as a last-ditch effort to find someone who cares before they end it all 3 Create an environment conducive to relationship From comfortable downtime to relationships From comfortable downtime to background music food couches football and discussion based small groups friendly youth groups are proactive about providing settings where relationships can flourish 4 Come alongside newbies Most youth groups have no trouble recognizing visitors because itrsquos hard to go unnoticed in a group of 10 or 20 But itrsquos one thing to recognize visitors and itrsquos another to befriend them from the start Do your kids know what to do to make newbies feel welcomed into the group and enjoyed for who they are Instead of forcing kids who already feel awkward to take the initiative how powerful would it be if your ldquoregularsrdquo found ways to get visitors connected with the group right away 5 Identify core students who are gifted in relationship-building and train them to use their gifts Spend time identifying friendly young people in your group so you can put those kids in key welcoming ministry positions Identify motivate and train your friendly students to greet newcomers draw in the strays invite the marginal to events and minister to those who are hurting 6 Offer basic friendship training to all your young people Many kids have no clue what to say after the initial hello To teach them basic friendliness skills you can use a memorable acrostic such as SALT School ndash ldquoWhere do you gordquo Activities ndash ldquoInvolved in any clubs or teamsrdquo Leisure ndash ldquoWhat do you enjoy doingrdquo Take 0 ldquoIrsquod like you to meet some friendsrdquo Many kid need to know what questions to ask how to identify common interest the importance of eye contact and the negative impact of moose breath 7 Gather your leaders to pray for the Holy Spirit ldquoto come and dwell within usrdquo This prayer is very important for us Orthodox Christians we begin every service with it and so you should begin every youth leadership meeting with it as well O Heavenly King the Comforter the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life ndash come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O Good One 8 Attend and participate in your parish weekly services Your parish priest will assist you in finding a right place for your youth group to participate eg singing in choir reading epistle lesson assisting with collection of donations selling candles serving in the altar handing out weekly bulletins and welcoming people into the church etc Prepare yourself to partake of the Holy Sacraments of Confession and Communion
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
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 ldquoSharing Christrsquos Love by Visiting with a Friendrdquo 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 | orthodoxvisitationdetroitgmailcom)
Give us your Email
Address
For the most up-to-date
Information Special announcements and
Sunday Bulletins please contact
us with your email address THANK YOU
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-
Sretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVeceSretna BadnjaVece
- Cover
- Prayer Page
- CalendarDecember 2014
- CalendarJanuary rtf
- Sdhedule of ServicesEnglish
- Schedule of ServicesSerbian
- Dear ParishionersEnglish Fr Z
- Dear Parishioners Serbian Fr Z pdf
- Help Decorate the churchbandwdoc
- New Years Eve Flyer b and w doc
- Church Statistics
- The Gift of Love
- welcome page
- Church Board Christmas Greeting
- Church Executive Board Combined -1
- Mihajlo Pupin
- 2014 year end donations
- Sveti Nikola
- The Spiritual Meaning of the Badnjak
- Serbian Christmas Bread
- Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior
- Rozdestvo
- Serbian Christmas CustomsDosenovich
- PrologueNativity
- Childrens Coloring Page
- Bozic letter
- Gospel of Luke pdf
- Orthodox-Perspective-Why-Christmas[1][1]
- Christmas Reads
- Winterr Youth Retareat
- Small Miracle
- Sisters Corner1
- Sisters2
- Sisters3
- Sisters4
- Sisters5
- Sisters6
- Theophany
- BLESSING OF WATER
- St John the Baptist
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp1
- Sveti SavaJakovljevicp2
- StSavaFlyert FINAL
- Svetosavska Hymna2
- ANNUAL MTG[1]
- Stefan Nemanja 900 anniversary
- SOTAYA
- Dont Forget
- BackCoverBadnjak Burning
-