Nativity at Christ the Saviour in Harrisburg: On the Eve of the Feast we celebrated the Royal Hours and Vesperal Divine Liturgy in the morning, and the Nativity Vigil (Great Compline & Matins) in the evening. The Festal Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Christmas morning. On Sunday, December 28th our parish family and their guests were treated to an Open House, sponsored every year by our Men's Club. Please visit us at www.CTSHBG.org; be sure to join us for a service when you are in the area!

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Russian: Христос рождаєся ! Славити його!

Greek: Χριστός γεννιέται! δοξάσατε!

Serbian: Христос се роди! Ваистину се роди!

Amharic: መልካምገና!

Tigrinya: ቡሩኽበዓልልደትን!

On Sunday, December 14th the parish Church School at Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg) held its 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! At the conclusion of the program the children were treated to a visit from "St. Nicholas"!

Over the past month our parish family at Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg) collected and distributed gift cards, turkeys, and 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 Sunday, November 23rd Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church hosted the annual IOCC/OCMC Charity Event for our local Pan-Orthodox brotherhood, the Orthodox Council of Churches of South Central Pennsylvania (OCCSCP). Over the past 15 years the OCCSCP has raised over $160,000 in support of these wonderful organizations.

For a second year we were treated to a Pan-Orthodox choral concert. This years concert was entitled "Praise the Lord". The adult choir, under the direction of Fr. Christopher Rocknage (pastor of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church and president of OCCSCP) sang beautifully and prayerfully, as did our combined youth choir, under the direction of Nina Radonovic (also of St. Nicholas).

We were inspired by a special presentation given by Kenneth Kidd of OCMC, who spoke to us about the grace-filled work of Orthodox missionaries around the world, and especially about the growing mission-field in Guatemala. Following the concert and presentation, we enjoyed a time of fellowship in the parish hall. Glory to God for all things!

On Sunday, November 16th our parish family was treated to a special fellowship hour prepared by our Ethiopian and Eritrean members. By an act of providence, the date we selected fell on the feast of Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, who brought the gospel to East Africa as part of his apostolic vocation (learn more HERE). We were blessed to share in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of one of the many cultures that constitutes our ethnically diverse parish family - and by popular demand, we plan on making this an annual event! A special thanks to those who prepared and served the meal, as well as those that prepared the special coffee and tea that was enjoyed by all - thank you!

 "Thank you" in Amharic (Ethiopian) 

አመሰግናለሁ - Ameseg-inalehugn!

 "Thank you" in Tigrinya (Eritrean) 

የቐንየለይ! - Yeken-yeley!

On Tuesday, November 11th Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick presented a talk entitled: Will YOU be "left behind?": The Rapture in light of Ancient Christianity at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church. In his talk he shared the history, rise, and various popular presentations of this historically new, Protestant/Dispensational doctrine. Several key Scriptural passages were explored, comparing popular "rapture" interpretations, to those held by the Orthodox Church for 2,000 years. In summary, Fr. Andrew encouraged the faithful in attendance to be "Resurrection ready" and to embrace the historic, and Patristic interpretation of the Scriptures; in which our focus is to grow in the likeness of Christ, and to "look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen."

You can listen to the recording on "Roads from Emmaus" Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio HERE.

From Saturday, October 4th - Sunday October 5th the community of Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg) 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. In conjunction with the Food Fest, we also held our annual basket raffle, which featured over 50 baskets, and a vendor faire with lots of great products.

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 Food Fest is held annually the first weekend in October. Next year (2015) it will be held on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th.

On Friday, September 19th the Orthodox Christian Charities of Greater Harrisburg (OCCGH), the non-profit entity that organized and stewards the Agia Sophia Coffeehouse and Bookstore, celebrated the 3rd Anniversary of the shop.  At the event Frank Bifano (OCCGH president), and board member & volunteer coordinator Joanne Wevodau, presented our many talented and dedicated volunteers with a gift of appreciation from the OCCGH Board. This is a significant milestone in the life of our organization and the shop!  Thanks to all our customers and supporters for allowing us to serve you these past three years - we are looking forward to many more! Please visit our website at www.agiasophiaharrisburg.com or better yet, stop in and visit us!

Thank you for your prayerful and material support of our Pan-Orthodox community outreach in Harrisburg!

With love in Christ-
Fr. Stephen

On Sunday, September 7th, following the Divine Liturgy, our faithful gathered for our annual Parish Family Picnic, to celebrate the beginning of the new liturgical year (Sept 1) and the new school year. A special thanks to our Men's Club for preparing the food and organizing the event!

On Sunday, August 24th at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, our teachers and students gathered for a special blessing as they return to classes this week. May our Lord who inspires the heart and the intellect - guide them in their instruction and their studies; and preserve them as faithful followers of His commandments!

On Saturday, August 23rd Xavier (in Baptism Michael) Zeppuhar was Baptized and Chrismated at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church. The next day, Sunday, August 24th he was "churched" and received the Body of Blood of Christ! May God grant the newly illumined child of God Michael, and his parents Jason & Courtney, his siblings; and godparents Jacob and Kyra Lentz "many blessed years"!

"O Lord our God, who, through the fulfilling of the baptismal font, by Thy goodness dost sanctify them that believe on Thee: Bless Thy child Michael, and let Thy blessing descend upon his head... inspiring him with Thy Holy Spirit; that as he increases in stature, and even unto a ripe old age, he may send up glory unto Thee, and behold the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his life. For unto Thee are due all glory, honour, and worship, to the Father and to the Son, and to Thy Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages."

"O Lord our God, who dwellest in the heavens, and lookest down upon all Thy works, look down upon Thy servants, the catechumens, who have bowed their necks before thee, and grant them a light yoke. Make them honorable members of Thy holy Church, and vouchsafe unto them the laver of regeneration, the forgiveness of sins, and the robe of incorruption, unto the knowledge of Thee, our true God."

Over the summer, several of our inquirers have asked to be received into the Catechumenate (July 6th Michael Loar; August 3rd Bette Keener; and August 24th Christine Lamb), which is a great joy for our parish community! We pray that God will continue to nurture them as they prepare themselves for entry into the Church, and that we would be found worthy of our vocation to be good examples of the Faith "once delivered to the saints", and rededicate ourselves to the daily Christian struggle which leads to eternal life!

On Sunday July 20th, the community of Christ the Saviour asked God's blessing upon their cars, trucks, bikes & trikes, in conjunction with our celebration of the great Prophet Elijah. May the Lord keep the drivers and passenger in safety, as they strive glorify God through the use of their vehicles.

O Lord our God, Who dost ride upon the Cherubim; Who walks on the wings of the wind; Who didst send Thy servant the Prophet Elijah a chariot of fire, and Who with Thine All-Holy Spirit has inspired and guided the human mind to invent various and expedient means of transportation and travel: We give Thee thanks, O Master, for Thou has provided us, Thy servants, with these vehicles to serve our different needs... (Excerpt from the Prayer of Blessing of Vehicles)

On Tuesday, July 15th the Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church (Harrisburg) softball team won its 4th consecutive league softball championship (10th overall). Congratulations to coach Carl Hisiro and the guys for another great season! Glory to God for all things!

On Sunday July 13th, following the Divine Liturgy and memorials for Fr. Michael (1yr) & M. Olga Hubiak Kovach (3yr), George Cvijic (1yr), Nicholas Pestrock (40 days) and Madeline McMahon (40 days) - we gathered at the parish hall to bless the Fr. Michael & M. Olga Kovach Parish Lending Library. Before he fell asleep in the Lord, Fr. Michael requested that any memorial donations collected for M. Olga and himself, would be dedicated to parish education, especially our catechumens. The library will eventually include nearly 1,000 volumes (addition bookshelves will added), an LCD video projector and pull down screen for powerpoint and multi media presentations. Present for the memorial and blessing was Helene Dmochowski, the Kovach's daugher. May their memories be eternal, and may their souls dwell with the blessed!

On Saturday July 12th, Ezrah Ghebremichael was Baptized and Chrismated at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church. The following day, Sunday July 13th, he was churched at the Divine Liturgy, and received the Holy Eucharist. We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ would "keep him ever a warrior invincible" and "securely planted" in His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Many years to the newly illumined Ezrah, his godfather Sammy Kidane; and his parents Amanuel & Marcia and older brother Elijah!

On Sunday July 6th, Michael Loar was received into the Catechumenate of the Holy Orthodox Church! We pray that Michael will be blessed in his participation in the worship and study of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church; and that in "due time" he will be formally received into the Church, and united with our community through the Holy Sacraments! 

On Sunday, June 22nd the community of Christ the Saviour celebrated the feast of All Saints of N. America. Before Divine Liturgy Cindy Shortall was received into the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church through the Sacrament of Chrismation. We are overjoyed as a community to welcome Cindy into the Orthodox Christian faith, and our parish family - and to be united together through the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ! We pray that God would continue to strengthen and  illumine her, and grant her many blessed years. 

On Sunday, June 8th the community at Christ the Saviour began their celebration of the feast of Great and Holy Pentecost. Before the Divine Liturgy, Joseph McClure was Chrismated into the Holy Orthodox Church. We pray that God would bless him and grant him many years as a faithful member of His Body!

Following Divine Liturgy and the Kneeling Vespers we gathered at the parish social hall for our Third Annual International Day. A special thanks to Angie DiFlorio and our fellow parishioners who helped her organize and prepare such wonderful ethnic food. We are reminded of the wonderful opportunity we are given through the Holy Church to actualize the words of the Kontakion of Pentecost:  
"When He came down and confused the tongues [Babel], the Most High divided the nations; but when He distributed the tongues of fire [Pentecost],He called all people to unity. Therefore with one voice we glorify the most-Holy Spirit!"

May we be renewed and "re-energized" by the Holy Spirit as a community of believers (from all backgrounds) - and with boldness live a life worthy of the name - Christian!

On Sunday, June 1st the community of Christ the Saviour honored its 2014 High School and College Graduates. We pray that our Lord would continue to bless them and grant them many years!

Prayer for our Graduates:

O Lord, grateful of Thy great benefits which Thou hast so richly bestowed upon us in Thy loving-kindness, we bless and give thanks to Thee and we beseech Thee to look graciously upon us and these graduates, who have completed their courses of study. Pour into their hearts, minds, and upon their lips, the spirit of wisdom, understanding, piety, and godly fear; enlighten them with the light of Thy knowledge, and bestow upon them strength and steadfastness, that they may quickly  apprehend and willingly  embrace all that they have received which is good and profitable, and in accordance with Thy Divine law.
 
Grant that they grow in wisdom and understanding. May they  prosper in good works for the glorification of Thy Holy Name. Give them health and long life that they may labor for the building up and glory of Thy holy Church, this nation, and of all Thy people. For Thou art our God, Who is mighty in mercy and  gracious in strength, and to Thee we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages  of ages. Amen.

On Saturday, May 3rd Noah Lentz was received into the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church - by participating the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord through the waters of Baptism, and Anointing of the Holy Spirit, the gift of Pentecost, through Chrismation! May God grant him health, prosperity, and growth in life, faith, and spiritual understanding!

On Sunday, May 4th our community celebrated the churching of the newly Baptized and Illumined Noah, and his first Holy Communion. We also recognized our class of 9 students who participated in their first Holy Confession the night before. Many thanks to their teachers and parents who continue to support them in their faith, especially by offering them the "pathway to back Christ" and His forgiveness.

We also welcomed home three young men of our parish, along with their managers and coach who participated in the FOCA Basketball tournament in Cleveland the week previous. Parishioner Sammy Kidane won an All-Star award!

On Sunday, April 27th the community of Christ the Saviour commemorated our parish feast day (the church is dedicated to the Resurrection, and was given Thomas Sunday to celebrate). His Grace, Bishop Mark led the gathered faithful for the Divine Liturgy. The Zeppuhar family, who were Baptized and Chrismated the day previous, received their first Holy Communion. May God continue to bless them and keep them grounded firmly in the Orthodox Church!

At the conclusion of the Liturgy we processed around the church, and then gathered at the parish social hall, where Bishop Mark blessed the newly renovated interior. We are thankful to the faithful of our parish who sacrificed of their time, talent, and treasure to accomplish this renovation - by the grace of God!

On Monday, April 21st, Christ the Saviour hosted our local Orthodox parishes for the Bright Monday Divine Liturgy. At the conclusion of the service the clergy and faithful processed around the church, proclaiming the joyous news - "Christ is Risen!"

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, 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. For meet it is that the Heavens should rejoice, and that the earth should be glad, and the whole world, visible and invisible, should keep the feast, for Christ, the everlasting joy is Risen!

On Saturday, April 19th 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. His Grace, Bishop MARK was our celebrant and gave an inspiring homily about how our Lord continues to work miracles through the life of repentance he offers us. At this service the 15 Old Testament readings were chanted by 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!
 
“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, April 18th 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, April 18th 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, assisted by the children of our community. 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, April 17th 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 Wednesday, April 16th, 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. Timothy Hojnicki 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 Thy healing power; touch the body, quench the fever, calm the suffering and chase away every lurking infirmity. Be the physician of Thy servants; raise them up from their bed of pain and their couch of distress; give them to Thy Church safe and sound, well-pleasing to Thee and doing Thy will.

On Sunday, April 13th the community of Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg) celebrated the Feast of the Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem - Palm Sunday. Before the Liturgy the Lentz family was received into the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church through the Sacrament of Chrismation. We pray that God will preserve them in the Orthodox Faith, and find them worthy of incorruptible crowns!

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy we processed around the church, carrying the palms (and pussy willows and daffodils) of victory - reminding us that Christ the King has come to defeat death by His death and establish His Kingdom which has no end!

TROPARION -  By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the branches of victory, we cry out to Thee, O Vanquisher of Death: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord!

On April 6th (St. Mary of Egypt Sunday), the community of Christ the Saviour in Harrisburg welcomed the St. Tikhon Seminary Mission Choir. The choir under the direction of Benedict Sheehan sang beautifully, and our faithful were encouraged in their Lenten struggle. Seminary Dean, Fr. Steven Voytovich delivered a wonderful homily, reminding us that those who have been "forgiven much, love much" (Luke 7:47) - and we must receive this love and forgiveness which Christ so richly offers us!

Before the Divine Liturgy Kyra Lentz received the 40th day blessing - glory to God for all things!

On Sunday, March 30th Christ the Saviour (Harrisburg) hosted the Frackville Deanery Mission Vespers for the 4th Sunday of Great Lent. It was a special blessing to have His Grace, Bishop Mark present with us, along with many of our deanery clergy and faithful. Glory to God for all things!

The Orthodox clergy and faithful of Central Pennsylvania gathered at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church for vespers on Saturday, March 8th to celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy. This year's key-note speaker was Fr. Demetrius Nicoloudakis, who serves St Matthew’s Parish (GOA) in Blandon, PA. The choir, under the direction of Fr. Christopher Rocknage (our host pastor), sang beautifully! We thank God for inspiring a great love amongst our communities, as we share in our Orthodox Christian faith - "the faith once delivered to the saints", and its consistent preaching of our participation in the Good News of the Incarnation, Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension into Heaven of the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, February 2nd the community of Christ the Saviour celebrated the feast of the Meeting of the Lord. During the Liturgy we welcomed five new members into the Catechumenate of the Orthodox Church. We pray that their time of study and discernment is blessed, and that in "due time" they would be united fully with our parish family and the Body of Christ!

We also honored our parish Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Each of our scouts was given a special patch to celebrate their participation in Scout Sunday. In addition, Vladimer Kellachow was awarded the "Alpha Omega Award", Orthodox Scoutings highest honor. Recipients dedicate a considerable amount of time exploring their faith through study and active participation in Liturgical services and projects. Glory to God for all things!

On Sunday, January 19th the Orthodox parishes of Greater Harrisburg gathered at City Island Park for the 6th Annual Pan-Orthodox Great Blessing of the Susquehanna. His Grace, Bishop Mark of Baltimore was our celebrant, and gave a wonderful homily encouraging us to embrace our Faiths "positive view" of creation, which is affirmed by the Incarnation of the Son of God, and by His sanctification of the waters and by extension the entire world at His Baptism! Following the blessing the faithful gathered at Agia Sophia Coffeehouse and Bookstore for fellowship and our Second Annual "Chilli/Soup Cook-off". Glory to God for all things!

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

On Sunday, January 19th His Grace, Bishop Mark made a pastoral visit to Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in Harrisburg. The visit came following his nomination by a Special Assembly to be our Diocesan Bishop this past Friday in Bethlehem - Axios! We look forward to his formal election by the Holy Synod. We were also blessed by a visit from Fr. Alexander and Kh. Olga Atty, as well as the enrollment of Cindy Shorthall into the Catechumenate of the Orthodox Church! Following the festive Liturgy, His Grace joined our parish at a special luncheon prepared by our parish Men's Club. Later in the afternoon Bishop Mark led our local Pan-Orthodox community at the 6th Annual Great Blessing of the Susquehanna - Glory to God for all things!