Nativity at Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg): On Eve of the Feast we celebrated the Royal Hours and Vesperal Divine Liturgy in the morning, and Great Compline and Matins in the evening. The Festal Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Christmas morning. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, two of our college students were presented with FOCA Scholarships - Sophie Ressetar (Sophomore at Millersville) and Shreya Keecheril (Freshman at Penn State Harrisburg). We congratulate them both and their families - God grant you many years!

On Sunday, December 22nd our parish Church School held their annual Nativity Program. We are thankful to our dedicated teachers, parents, and students who make such a wonderful effort each year  - edifying and entertaining all of us! May God grant them many blessed years!

On December 15th our parish hosted a Community Christmas Concert, entitled: “God is with Us”. We welcomed well over 100 parishioners and guests for this free outreach concert. The Pan-Orthodox choir was directed by Fr. Christopher Rocknage, pastor of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in nearby Steelton. All our guests were moved by the liturgical and folk music, sang so prayerfully and beautifully. Following the concert we enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship together in our parish hall.

On Sunday, December 8th our community welcomed the Zeppuhar family into the Catechumenate of the Orthodox Church. We pray that this time of study and growth in the Orthodox Church will be blessed and that "in due time" they will united to our parish family, and the Holy Orthodox Church, through the Body and Blood of Christ!

Also, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Mark, we installed our newly elected parish council. We pray that God will grant them wisdom and strength, and that they too will grow in their love and obedience to Christ and His Church through their vocation as parish lay-leaders. May God grant them many years!

On Sunday, November 10th our community welcomed Nina Radanovic and members of the St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox youth choir. They sang several hymns during the clergy Communion, and enjoyed a time of fellowship with our teens at the fellowship hour. Both our youth choirs then had a rehearsal in preparation for a Pan-Orthodox Benefit Concert (for IOCC and OCMC) that will be held in York at the end of December.

We also celebrated the church of the newly Baptized child of God, Esey Eyob! May God grant him many years, and may He firmly establish him as a "plant of truth" in His Holy Orthodox Church!

Over the past month our parish family once again collected and distributed over $600 in cash and gift cards, as well as 7 turkeys and several boxes filled with canned and dry goods to help needy families in our community this Thanksgiving! We are thankful for those who have opened their hearts to neighbors in need. As St. John Chrysostom so eloquently reminds us: "the stomachs of needy are the 'storehouses' of the faithful!"

On Wednesday, October 23rd, the community of Christ the Saviour and the greater Harrisburg Pan-Orthodox community had a wonderful visit with Fr. Moses Berry. On Wednesday afternoon he was guest at our weekly downtown Bible Study. And on Wednesday evening Fr. Moses gave a public lecture where he shared his African American heritage through family heirlooms and a vibrant presentation. Most importantly he presented how he came to realize that his Christian roots went deeper than he originally thought, back to the book of Acts (see Acts 8:27) and the Orthodox Christian faith that has flourished throughout the African continent since the first centuries after the Death, Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ! We pray that God will continue to bless Fr. Moses in his important missionary efforts, and that our parish will share his message with our greater community. We are especially grateful to Fr. Moses for his willingness to come and be with us, as well as to Fr. Daniel Kovalak of Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Williamsport for arranging the visit.

From Saturday, October 5th - Sunday October 6th the community of Christ the Saviour held its annual Slavic Food Fest. We welcomed hundreds of our parishioners, neighbors and friends to enjoy a "taste" of one of the many cultures that constitutes our ethnically diverse community. Guests were treated to homemade pierogies, halupki, and halushki, as well as Macedonian hamburgers, kielbasa sandwiches, and a variety of pastries and baked goods. The basket raffle featured over 30 lots! Many visitors made their first trip into our beautiful Orthodox Church, which was open for tours throughout the two day event. We pray that while our guests filled their bellies for the day, they might have found that "one thing needful" that will nourish their souls for eternity. Glory to God for all things!


NOTE: Our Slavic Food Fest is held annually the first weekend in October. Next year (2014) it will be held on Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th.

On Friday, Sept 13th and Saturday, Sept 14th His Grace, Bishop Mark visited the community of Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg). He led the gathered clergy and faithful in the Vespers and Litya service, and we were blessed to have been able to participate in the special Elevation Rite, reserved for an occasion when a hierarch is celebrating the Feast. At the Divine Liturgy we were joined by Fr. Timothy Hojnicki and the faithful of Holy Apostles Mission. Along with Bishop Mark, our communities gathered around the Cross of our Lord, as the "Standard of Victory" and enjoyed that Unity which is the fruit of the Cross - the very Body and Blood of Christ!


Come, ye faithful, let us adore the life-giving wood, on which Christ the King of glory, stretched out his hands of his own will. To the ancient blessedness he raised us up, whom the enemy had before despoiled through pleasure, making us exiles far from God. Come, ye faithful, let us adore the wood, through which we have been made worthy to crush the heads of invisible enemies. Come, all ye kindred of the nations, let us honor in hymns the cross of the Lord. Rejoice, O cross, complete redemption of fallen Adam. With thee as their boast our faithful kings laid low by thy might the people of Ishmael. We Christians kiss thee now with fear and, glorifying God who was nailed upon thee, we cry: O Lord, who on the cross was crucified, have mercy on us, for thou art good and lovest mankind. (Hymn of the Feast, Tone 2)

On Sunday, September 8th the community at Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg), celebrated the Great Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos. At the conclusion of the festive Liturgy, we had our annual blessing of the students and teachers in our parish, asking God's blessing upon their studies, as well as their vocation to guide the minds and character of students respectively. At the fellowship hour, the St. Alexis Men's Club prepared the food for our Annual Parish Family Picnic. We give thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus Christ, for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of His Mother, to invoke His blessings upon our students and teachers, as well as enjoy a time of fellowship as His Body and as a parish family! 

On Sunday, July 28th the community of Christ the Saviour offered a fond farewell to Fr. Alexander and Kh. Olga Atty as they prepare to return to Kentucky after three years in Eastern PA. They have been an active part of our community the past six months, following Fr. Alexander's retirement as dean of St. Tikhon Seminary. We also welcomed home "parish son" Fr. Paul Fetsko who was visiting from Ft. Smith, Arkansas. May God grant them all many blessed years!

On Sunday, July 21st, the community of Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg) celebrated their annual car blessing - which is done on the Sunday closest to St. Elijah day (July 20). We ask that God will keep our drivers and passengers safe, and that we will be reminded to do "all things for His glory" - even our driving! Our community also welcomed Fr. Peter Baktis (Col. US Army) and M. Jeanne, who were in Carlisle at the US Army War College for training.

May the Lord bless you from Zion, may you behold the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your life, and may He direct your journey in peace, unto the glory of His Holy Name - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen!

On Sunday, June 23rd the community of Christ the Saviour celebrated the great and holy feast of Pentecost. We were renewed in our mission and vision as the Church, both remembering, and participating in, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and Disciples as they received the promise of our Lord - "However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you in all truth" (John 16:13). Following the Divine Liturgy we celebrated the Kneeling Vespers of Pentecost and then gathered in the fellowship hall for our second annual Parish International Day. We shared the culinary and cultural diversity of our community - and were given a "taste" of the unity that only comes through the gift of the Holy Spirit!

On Sunday, June 2nd the community of Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church recognized M. Theodora Ressetar with a luncheon and program as she retired as our parish choir director. She held the position of choir director from August 1978 through May 2013 - a 35 year ministry! Perhaps most impressive is that simultaneous to this position she gracefully ministered with her husband, Fr. Daniel Ressetar, as "Matushka" for 48 years, raised three sons, and for many years she served as Sunday School coordinator. She also continues be active in the Altar Guild and local FOCA chapter, as well as countless other parish activities - many known only to a few, and some known only to God!


We pray that God will continue to bless M. Theodora with "Many Years"! Mnogaya Lyeta!

On Saturday, May 18th the community of Christ the Saviour celebrated its 50th Anniversary. His Grace Bishop Mark led the Diocesan and local Pan-Orthodox clergy, and the many faithful who  gathered for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Also in attendance was Metropolitan Herman, retired primate and former archbishop of the Diocese of Eastern PA (1981-2002). At the Liturgy Peter (Scott) Staller was tonsured a reader - we congratulate him and his family, and ask God's blessing upon them.

Following the eternal and awesome Heavenly Banquet we shared in fellowship at the parish hall for a small reception, then proceeded to the Best Western Premier Hotel for the 50th anniversary banquet. The program was highlighted by a 20 minute video on our parish history that was produced for the occasion by Grisha Ressetar.

We are grateful to Almighty God for blessing us with this celebration, for His many benefits over these past 50 years, and we look forward to continuing the work He has set forth for us - to proclaim the Risen Christ and to be a light to all who are seeking His truth and His Kingdom!

Throughout Bright Week, our community gathered to continue our celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection. On Monday we were joined by members of Holy Apostles Mission for the Divine Liturgy.

That same evening Fr. Nicholas Molodyko Harris served the Paschal Vespers (St. Alexis Toth); On Tuesday evening Fr. Alexander Atty served the Paschal Vespers (St. John the Theologian); and on Wednesday evening Fr. Daniel Ressetar served the Paschal Vespers (Prophet Isaiah).

On Bright Friday, as is our custom, we will join our local Orthodox communities - Holy Trinity Cathedral (GOA), St. Nicholas (SER), Christ the Saviour (OCA), and Holy Apostles (OCA) to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and the feast of the Life-Giving Spring, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Camp Hill.

Aposticha Hymn at Vespers for the Life-Giving Spring

With hymns of wonder, let us, the faithful, praise and glorify the heavenly cloud that lets fall upon the earth the heavenly Rain, the life-giver Christ! He is the living divine Water that eternally pours forth the Ambrosia of nectar that never diminishes even after it has been drunk, but which dispels the thirst and also refreshes our soul. As we drink of it with wisdom, the most divine streams shall come forth from our hearts, and shall shower us all with bountiful grace.

Late Saturday evening, and “while it was still dark” on Sunday at midnight, our community gathered for the “Feast of Feast, and Holy Day of Holy Days”.

Later the same afternoon we gathered for the Agape Vespers, in which we read the Gospel in English, Latin, German, Chinese, Italian, Russian, French, and Spanish!

Christ is Risen!    Христос Воскресе!

Χριστός Ανέστη!   المسيح قام!  

Ode 1 - Canon of Holy Pascha

It is the day of Resurrection, let us be illumined O ye people, Pascha, the Pascha of the Lord, from death unto Life and from earth unto Heaven has Christ our God led us singing the song of Victory! Let us purify our senses, and we shall behold Christ, radiant with the light ineffable of the Resurrection, and shall hear Him say in accents clear, rejoice as we sing the song of victory. 

On Saturday, May 4th our community gathered to celebrate the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil, sometimes called the “First Pascha”, as it was originally the first Liturgy of the Great Paschal vigil. At this service the 15 Old Testament readings were chanted my members of our Junior O Club (aka - “Teen Titans”), as well as members of our choir. It is during this service that the dark purple vestments of Lent and Holy Week are replaced with the brilliant white of Pascha. At the conclusion of the service we blessed a new censor that was donated by our friends at Holy Apostles Mission, to commemorate our upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration!
 
“Alleluia” Verses of Holy Saturday
Arise, O God, judge the earth, for to Thee belong all the nations!
God has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods He holds judgment.
How long will You judge unjustly and accept the faces of sinners?
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute!  
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the sinner!
They have neither knowledge nor understanding; they walk about in darkness.
Let all the foundations of the earth be shaken!  I say: “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, you shall die like men, and fall like any prince.”

In the evening on Friday, May 3rd our community gathered for the Matins and Lamentations, in which we sing songs of love and tenderness to our Lord in the Tomb. This service also marks the transition from the solemnity of Holy Friday and our Lord’s Crucifixion and Death, to the first announcements of His harrowing of Hades (Old Testament prophesy of Ezekiel and the resurrection of the “dry bones”; and the Epistle and Gospel lessons), following our return from our procession around the church.

Excerpt from the Prophesy of Ezekiel

Then he said to me, ‘Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.” Therefore  prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.’

In the afternoon on Friday, May 3rd our community gathered for the Burial Vespers, in which we participate in the death of the Son of God upon the Cross. The Body of our Lord is tenderly removed from the Cross, and wrapped in a burial shroud. Later the Plaschenitsa (Holy Shroud depicting the Body of our Lord) is processed and placed in the Tomb in the center of the Church and venerated by the faithful!

Holy Friday Burial Vespers Aposticha

Joseph, together with Nicodemus, took Thee down from the Tree, Who clothe Thyself with light as with a garment. He gazed on Thy body – dead, naked, and unburied, and, in grief and tender compassion, he lamented: “Woe is me, my sweetest Jesus! A short while ago, the sun beheld Thee hanging on the Cross, and it hid itself in darkness. The earth quaked in fear at the sight. The veil of the Temple was torn in two. Lo, now I see Thee willingly submit to death for our sake. How shall I bury Thee, O my God? How can I wrap Thee in a shroud? How can I touch Thy most pure body with my hands? What songs can I sing for Thy Exodus, O compassionate One? I magnify Thy Passion. I glorify Thy burial, and Thy holy Resurrection, crying, ‘O Lord, glory to Thee!’

On Thursday, May 2nd our community gathered for the Matins of Great and Holy Friday, better known as the “12 Passion Gospels”. We were reminded of our Lord’s betrayal, subjection to cruel injustice, scourging, and crucifixion through the Gospel accounts.

Holy Friday 15th Antiphon

TODAY HE WHO HUNG THE EARTH UPON THE WATERS IS HUNG ON THE TREE. THE KING OF THE ANGELS IS DECKED WITH A CROWN OF THORNS. HE WHO WRAPS THE HEAVENS IN CLOUDS IS WRAPPED IN THE PURPLE OF MOCKERY. HE WHO FREED ADAM IN THE JORDAN IS SLAPPED ON THE FACE. THE BRIDEGROOM OF THE CHURCH IS AFFIXED TO THE CROSS WITH NAILS. THE SON OF THE VIRGIN IS PIERCED BY A SPEAR. WE WORSHIP THY PASSION, O CHRIST. WE WORSHIP THY PASSION, O CHRIST. WE WORSHIP THY PASSION, O CHRIST. SHOW US ALSO THY GLORIOUS RESURRECTION.

On Thursday, May 2nd, our community commemorated the Institution of the Eucharist with the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. We also welcomed Dn. Joseph Kreta, who is visiting our community through Pascha and assisted at all of the Divine Services! During this Liturgy, the reserve Sacrament was prepared, and the faithful enjoyed the “Masters hospitality” through the partaking of His Body and Blood.

Holy Thursday Theotokian Hymn

Come, O faithful, let us enjoy the Master’s hospitality, the Banquet of Immortality! In the upper chamber with uplifted minds, let us receive the exalted words of the Word, Whom we magnify!

On Wednesday, May 1st, the communities of Christ the Saviour and Holy Apostles Mission, gathered to celebrate the service of Holy Unction - interceding the Lord’s mercy, and healing of soul and body. Fr. Nicholas Molodyko Harris offered a beautiful homily, which prepared each of us to realize our own spiritual sicknesses and poverty, and to ask the Lord for healing!

Excerpt from the Third Prayer of Holy Unction

Yes, Lord, send forth from heaven your healing power; touch the body, quench the fever, calm the suffering and chase away every lurking infirmity. Be the physician of your servants; raise them up from their bed of pain and their couch of distress; give them to your Church safe and sound, well-pleasing to you and doing your will.

On Tuesday, April 30th our community, along with members of Holy Apostles Mission, welcomed His Grace Bishop Mark, Diocesan Administrator, as he led us in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. At the Liturgy he bestowed the kamilavka on Fr. Stephen. Later, he visited Mechanicsburg, where he surveyed the future home of the Holy Apostles community.

We are grateful for the pastoral love and care of His Grace Bishop Mark, and were encouraged in our Holy Week struggle by his presence and pastoral care. Many years, O Master!

Holy Tuesday Troparia at the “Lord I Call”

As the Lord was going to His voluntary Passion, He said to the Apostles on the way: “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man shall be delivered up, as it is written of Him.” Come, therefore, let us also go with Him, purified in mind! Let us be crucified with Him and die through Him to the pleasures of this life! Then we shall live with Him and hear Him say: “I go no more to the earthly Jerusalem to suffer, but to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. I shall raise you up to the Jerusalem on high in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

On Sunday, April 21st the St. Tikhon Seminary Mission Choir made their annual visit to Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Harrisburg, PA. The choir, under the direction of Benedict Sheehan, prayerfully sang the responses at the Divine Liturgy and edified our entire community - strengthening them for the remaining two weeks of the Great and Holy Fast. We also welcomed our "adopted" seminary family, Deacon Matthew, M. Elizabeth, Elias and Genevieve Brown. Dn. Matthew offered a wonderful homily reminding us that our Lord, as a loving Father, redirects our often "worldly" petitions. He shows us a more excellent way, the way of the Cross, and offers us to drink of this cup for our salvation.

We pray that God will guide, direct, and build-up St. Tikhon Seminary for the glory of God, and the vitality of His Church! Our parishioners are already looking forward to their visit next year!

On Saturday, March 23rd Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church, Harrisburg, PA hosted their local clergy brotherhood, the Orthodox Council of Churches of South Central Pennsylvania (OCCSCP), in the celebration of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. His Eminence, Metropolitan Savas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh was the guest hierarch and gave an engaging homily on the historical and present significance of the feast. Over 20 clergy and 250 faithful gathered for the celebration.

Fr. Christopher Rocknage, pastor of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church in Lebanon, led a our Pan-Orthodox choir in beautifully singing the Vesperal responses. A special thanks to Fr. Alexander Goussetis, pastor of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lancaster & OCCSCP President; and to John Dotsey and the faithful of Christ the Saviour for providing a delicious Lenten meal following the service.

Kontakion (Tone 8):
No one could describe the Word of the Father;
but when He took flesh from you, O Theotokos,
He accepted to be described, and restored the fallen image
to its former state by uniting it to divine beauty.
We confess and proclaim our salvation in words and images

On Friday evening, March 15th, Agia Sophia Coffeehouse and Bookstore (Harrisburg, PA) hosted its monthly "Third in the Burg" offering. This month we welcomed dancers from the Carraig School of Irish Dance, as well as Fr. Martin Browne, pastor of St. Mark Orthodox Church in Wrightstown, PA. Fr. Martin gave a very engaging talk on the Irish Saints which was thoroughly enjoyed by a packed house! Glory to God for all things!

On Wednesday, January 30th the community at Christ the Saviour welcomed our Diocesan Administrator, His Grace, Bishop MARK, as well as clergy and faithful from our local Orthodox communities to celebrate the feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs (SS. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom). His Grace encouraged us to follow the example of these holy luminaries, who above all are humble servants of Christ.

Troparion (Tone 1)
Let us who love their words gather together
And honor with hymns the three great torch-bearers of the triune Godhead:
Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom.
These men have enlightened the world with the rays of their divine doctrines.
They are sweetly-flowing rivers of wisdom filling all creation with springs of heavenly knowledge.
Ceaselessly they intercede for us before the Holy Trinity!

On Friday, January 18th Agia Sophia Coffeehouse and Bookstore (225 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA) hosted an exhibit by parishioner John R. Barns entitled "Mt. Athos: Photographic Glimpses of the Divine Garden". This event was held in conjunction with a city-wide event known as the "Third in the Burg" where local businesses have extended hours and offer the public various cultural and artistic exhibits and presentations. Agia Sophia has been participating since last October. This past month we also featured live music by Rasczar Lopatic (http://www.raczar.com/).

Please visit our website at: www.agiasophiaharrisburg.com to learn about upcoming events!

On Sunday, January 13th the Orthodox parishes of Greater Harrisburg gathered at City Island Park for the 5th Annual Pan-Orthodox Great Blessing of the Susquehanna. The clergy and faithful came together to share in and witness to our common Faith and hope, that in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, all things are revealed, restored, and perfected! Following the blessing the faithful gathered at Agia Sophia Coffeehouse and Bookstore for fellowship.  

Parishes gathered for the celebration were:
Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church (OCA) in Harrisburg
Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission (OCA) in Mechanicsburg
Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (GOA) in Camp Hill
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (SER) in Oberlin

Kontakion of Theophany - Tone 4
Today Thou hast shown forth to the world, O Lord,
and the light of Thy countenance has been marked on us.
Knowing Thee, we sing Thy praises.
Thou hast come and revealed Thyself,
O unapproachable Light.

Photos courtesy of John Constantine 

On Sunday, January 6th the community at Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg) celebrated the Theophany of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ. Following the Divine Liturgy, our parish clergy and faithful served the Great Blessing of the Waters. As we celebrate this feast of light and restoration, we pray that our partaking of these waters might be for our spiritual and bodily health; and that our zeal for Christ and His Church might be multiplied.


Troparion at the Great Blessing of the Waters
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters crying:
“Come, one and all,
receive the Spirit of wisdom,
the Spirit of understanding,
the Spirit of the fear of God,
from Christ Who now has shone forth.