Jesus Christ taught us to love and serve all people, regardless of their ethnicity or nationality. To understand that, we need to look no further than to the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Every time we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, it is offered "on behalf of all, and for all." As Orthodox Christians we stand against racism and bigotry. All human beings share one common identity as children of God. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatian 3:28)

Members of our Parish Council are:
Greg Jankura - Vice President
Position Vacant- President
Sharon Hanson - Member at Large
Luba Martins - Member at Large
Susan Egan - Treasurer
Dn Timothy Skuby - Secretary

Pastoral Care - General Information

Emergency Sick Calls can be made at any time. Please call Fr Steven at (860) 322-2906, when a family member is admitted to the hospital.
Anointing in Sickness: The Sacrament of Unction is available in Church, the hospital, or your home, for anyone who is sick and suffering, however severe. 
Marriages and Baptisms require early planning, scheduling and selections of sponsors (crown bearers or godparents). See Father before booking dates and reception halls!
Funerals are celebrated for practicing Orthodox Christians. Please see Father for details. The Church opposes cremation; we cannot celebrate funerals for cremations.

September, 2024 Treasurer’s Report – and YTD
September only

Revenue
Pledge income was strong this month as one couple paid their pledge in full. We realized $554 in Candle donations and
another $225 in external donations. Total income for the month was $11,189, but since the cash in our checking account
was less than $5,000, I had to transfer $5,000 from savings into checking to pay the monthly bills. We also had four
restricted donations ($575 to the St. Elizabeth Fund and $500 towards Beautification).

Expenses
Outside of the normal monthly expenses we paid $222 for the annual PO Box rental and $322 for Choir Director services.
Total monthly expenses were $9,788. We ended the month with Income exceeding expenses by $1,401 but YTD we have
a deficit of $6,786. We also gave $1,500 from the St Elizabeth fund to Alla Berszko.

YTD Income
Cash has exceeded YE Budget. External Donations is only $500 from meeting YE Budget.
Pledges – we have received $79,316 of the $102,720 pledges in 2024. That leaves $23,404 more to be realized if
everyone meets their pledge. However, we have 5 members who have paid less than half of their 2024 pledge. If they
contribute nothing more this year, that will be a $4,460 loss of revenue. Income from non-pledging members is
negligible as it has only totaled $230 for the year.

Expenses
I expect that 4Q expenses will be $28,000, about the same as last year.
Summary – 4th quarter projection

Income
Pledges – 23,400 (ONLY if everyone meets their pledge)
Cash – 1500
External Donations – 2000
Parking – 600
TOTAL - $27,500
Expenses – 28,000
4th quarter loss - $500
YE Loss – Thru September - $6,786
4th Quarter $500
Projected loss $7,286
To make up that deficit, the 30 pledging members would each need to contribute an additional $243 per person,
otherwise it comes from unrestricted savings which total about $43,000 after that $5,000 withdrawal.
2025 pledges
Received $68,850 in pledges to date from 19 members and 6 non-members about half what we need to have a balanced
budget.

In Christ,
Susan Egan, Treasure

 Many Years! To the newly illumined child of God, Bryn Rose, her parents Anastasia and Malcolm, and her Godparents, Anastasia and Glenn Alexis.

Memory Eternal to Joan Navaro on the anniversary of her repose in the Lord.

Pray for: All those confined to hospitals, nursing homes, and their own homes due to illness; for all those who serve in the armed forces; widows, orphans, prisoners, victims of violence, and refugees;

• All those suffering chronic illness, financial hardship, loneliness, addictions, abuse, abandonment and despair; those who are homeless, those who are institutionalize, those who have no one to pray for them;
• All Orthodox seminarians & families; all Orthodox monks and nuns, and all those considering monastic life; all Orthodox missionaries and their families.
• All those who have perished due to hatred, intolerance and pestilence; all those departed this life in the hope of the Resurrection.

Please let Fr. Steven know via email if you have more names for which to pray.

• Departed: Fr Anthony, Nona, Mat Ann Sovyrda, Evelyn and John
• Clergy and their families: Fr Sergei B, Fr David K, Fr Patrick B, Dn Timothy
• ​Catechumen: Kevin, and Sarah
• Individuals and Families: Luba, Suzanne, Gail Galina, Rosemary, John, Daniel & Dayna, Kristen, Charles, Victor, Susan
• Birthdays and Name’s Days this Month: Vincent Melesko (10/8), Lloyd Davis (10/10), Marlene Melesko (10/12), Greg Jankura (10/24)
• Anniversaries this Month: John and Joan Skrobat (10/17)
• ​Expecting and Newborn: Lynn, David and their unborn child, Keree, Steve and their unborn child 
• ​Traveling: Michael
• ​Sick and those in distress: Thomas, Sheri, Joanna, Joshua, Remy, Stormy, Scott, Anne, Noah, Nancy, Cathy, Joe, Stephen, Susan Hayes

Today’s commemorated feasts and saints

18th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST — Tone 1. Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica (ca. 306). Ven. Nestor the Chronicler of the Kiev Caves (Far Caves—ca. 1114). Uncovering of the Relics of St. Andrew, Prince of Smolensk (1540). Martyrs Capitolina and Eroteis of Cappadocia (304). Saint Claudia Procula (1st c.). Martyrs Mark, Soterikhos, and Valentine (304).

• Again we pray for those who have lost their lives because of the wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East: that the Lord our God may look upon them with mercy, and give them rest where there is neither sickness, or sorrow, but life everlasting.
• Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, for those who are suffering, wounded, grieving, or displaced because of the wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
• Again we pray for a cessation of the hostilities against Ukraine and the Middle East, and that reconciliation and peace will flourish there, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy.

Tone 1 Troparion (Resurrection)
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews,
while the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body,
You rose on the third day, O Savior,
granting life to the world.
The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life:
“Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ!
Glory to Your Kingdom!//
Glory to Your dispensation, O Lover of mankind!”

Tone 4 Troparion (St. Alexis)
O righteous Father Alexis, our heavenly intercessor and teacher,
divine adornment of the Church of Christ!
Entreat the Master of All to strengthen the Orthodox Faith in America,
to grant peace to the world and to our souls great mercy.

Tone 1 Kontakion (Resurrection)
As God, You rose from the tomb in glory,
raising the world with Yourself.
Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished.
Adam exults, O Master!
Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage and cries to You://
“You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit

Tone 5 Kontakion (St. Alexis)
Let us, the faithful praise the Priest Alexis,
a bright beacon of Orthodoxy in America, a model of patience and humility,
a worthy shepherd of the Flock of Christ.
He called back the sheep who had been led astray
and brought them by his preaching to the Heavenly Kingdom.

now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Tone 6 Kontakion (Steadfast Protectress)
Steadfast Protectress of Christians,
Constant Advocate before the Creator;
despise not the entreating cries of us sinners,
but in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith.
Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us,
O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you!

In lieu of the Trisagion
As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, Alleluia

COMMUNION HYMN
Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

THE GOSPEL READING
Luke 8:41-56
[Jairus’ Daughter Raised, A Woman Healed]

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus’ feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, “Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!” But Jesus said, “Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me.”

And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well.” And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the ather and mother of the child.

And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

THE SERMON
Twelve years tells the story of two daughters: a child, and an adult. Both daughters encounter Jesus and come back to life as they are touched by Christ, who is the Giver of life. The child is the daughter of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, which means he was not a priest but the administrator of the local Jewish congregation. He was not yet a follower of Jesus, but undoubtedly, he had heard of Jesus of Nazareth, anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all because God was with Him.

The Jewish authorities who rejected Jesus were Jairus’ superiors and employers, so Jairus risked losing his position by coming to meet Jesus. However, Jairus’ daughter was sick and dying, and so in desperation, Jairus overcomes his fear and seeks the compassion and power of Christ. Because of his love for his daughter, he was not afraid of the repercussions this might have had. Jairus comes to Jesus, falls at His feet, and begs Him for help.

The hope of having his daughter healed, his only daughter (in Greek: μονογενής, the same word used for the Only Begotten Son of God), was worth all things. Jairus’ pain provided an opportunity for great faith in a time of desperation. He believed Jesus could save his daughter, and the Son of God rewarded his faith. Jesus recognizes his faith and has compassion on him. He responds to this plea for help and starts making his way to Jairus’ home.

On the other side of this story, there is another daughter of God. Like Jairus’ young daughter, this older daughter remains nameless. Yet, twelve years prior, about the same time when Jairus’ daughter was born, this woman became ill in a way that made her ceremonially unclean. According to Jewish law, she was unable to worship in the temple. She began to die slowly, while at the same time, Jairus’ child was growing. Twelve years later, the physicians could save neither the child nor the woman. We are told that for twelve years, the woman had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone.

Meanwhile, Jairus did not consider the repercussions and took a leap of faith to reach out to Jesus, hoping to save his daughter’s life. At the same time, this woman does the same. She boldly takes a leap of faith and reaches out to Jesus, touching the hem of His garment because of her great faith in a time of desperation. The Lord notices great faith and responds in a personal and compassionate way. He stops to attend to the one who placed all her faith and hope in Him. And says, “Who was it that touched me?” He asked not because he did not know but to honor her faith.

The Apostle Peter said, Master, everyone is touching You. There is a crowd pressing on You as You walk. But Jesus said, someone special, with great faith, touched Me. This was not a mere rubbing of shoulders with the multitude, but someone who believed in Him for eternal life and placed all her hopes in Him. Jesus instantaneously heals her the minute she touches Him because of her faith. “I perceive that power has gone forth from me,” the Lord says. And when the embarrassed woman realized God the Son was speaking about her, she came trembling and fell before Him. The Lord calls her His daughter and says, “Your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Because of His great love and her great faith, the Lord Jesus heals her completely. Saint Ephraim the Syrian says, “Faith is the means by which anyone now may enter the family of Jesus, and peace is the crown of victory she receives because of her faith.” An ancient hymn of the Church says, “Then a woman, weak and timid, touched his sacred garment’s hem: instant was his blessed healing, and the pallor left her cheek, as the hemorrhage she had suffered through so many years was stopped.”

At the same time that Jesus heals the woman, messengers come to Jairus with the word that his daughter has died. The roles of the two daughters are now reversed. When that child was born, the woman began to die. Now, the child died when the woman began to live again. Jairus was there with Jesus and witnessed the healing of the woman, but the messengers tell him that his daughter is dead and not to trouble Jesus anymore.

However, Jairus also had the same faith that the woman had in the face of hopelessness, and he wanted Jesus to still go with him. “Do not fear,” Jesus said, “only believe, and she shall be well.” In Greek, the text literally says, “only believe and she will be saved.” This means that not only will her body be well, but she will be saved as a whole: body, mind, and soul. It shows us how faith can save us, help us to follow Christ and the Gospel, and enter into union with God in His Kingdom, even in this life.

The entire passage presents two daughters, two sicknesses, and two resurrections. All is made well by the unwavering faith resulting in new life. Faith is the opposite of fear. “Do not fear,” Jesus said. The Lord said that many times in the Gospels to His beloved ones. Such as, when the disciples were in a storm, afraid they were going to sink, they saw Jesus walking on water toward them in the middle of the night and thought it was a ghost. Immediately, Jesus spoke to them and told them not to be afraid because He was with them.

Also, when Jesus was transfigured before His disciples, they fell to the ground, covering their faces. Jesus came and touched them, telling them not to be afraid. When Jesus appeared to his disciples, risen from the dead, they took hold of His feet and worshiped him, and He told them not to be afraid. The presence of the Lord takes away fear, because He is the Son of God who loves us, and who can do all things. Out of faith, the woman with the flow of blood overcame her fear and touched His garment. Jesus healed her. Now Jesus tells Jairus not to fear. Therefore, with faith, Jairus accompanied Jesus to the house, and the Lord came to the child. In Christ, death is defeated, because He destroyed death by death. In Christ, death is like momentary sleeping. As the woman had touched Jesus, now Jesus touches the child, takes her by the hand, and says, “Child, arise!” When the Son of God, speaks, life overcomes death. Immediately, the child’s spirit returned, and she rose from the dead.

The child became a type of Christ, risen from the dead, as the woman with the flow of blood also became a type of humanity, wounded after the Fall and restored by Jesus. Both daughters were saved by faith — one, by her own faith, the other, by the prayers and faith of another, that is, her father. We are also the sons and daughters of Christ, who, by our faith, and by the faith and prayers of the Saints in heaven and the prayers of the Church on earth, are touched by the Lord and restored to life.

Let us trust Christ without fear, even in the darkest moments of life. He calls us sons and daughters. Let us pray for one another as well as brothers and sisters. All it takes is for us not to be afraid but only believe in Him, Who rose from the dead. The Lord loves us and always responds to our cries for help, especially when we face the darkest of situations. As Christ shows us through Jairus’ daughter and the woman healed of a flow of blood, when we are in our darkest moment, an unimaginable resurrection is waiting around the corner. Trusting in God’s love, we can simply abandon ourselves in His arms.