GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!
Independence Day
On this July Fourth holiday we pause to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation, and honor the sacrifices made, each and every day, in defense of liberty. This year, let us commend ourselves with renewed commitment to the work of the Holy Gospel in our God-protected country, the United States of America. As our hierarchs rightly remind us in their pastoral letter for the holiday, "Let us be faithful witnesses of Christ’s Love, Light, Strength, Compassion and Mercy in our every word, deed and thought." Further, as we read in this encyclical: "Building bridges of dialogue, of mutual respect, of seeking shared understanding – these are the best of America and honor the heroes who have kept America 'the land of the free and home of the brave.' The strength of America is our diversity, our plurality, for E Pluribus Unum – out of many, we are one!"
Reminder: Revised Sign-up Schedule for Sunday Liturgies
Beginning Sunday 12 July, St. Nicholas will move to an A/B week schedule for Sunday services, with Week A set aside for families with young children, and Week B set aside for our parishioners of more advanced age and/or special needs. We will increase the limit to 35 persons per service beginning 12 July. We will continue to use the same sign-up system. Please note that we are organizing these alternating Sundays to better serve our parishioners under these unique conditions, and to maintain safety. All parishioners are welcome to sign up for any open slots for a given Liturgy, we only ask that priority be offered to those groups on their respective Sundays. We will continue to closely monitor conditions in neighboring counties and adjust our Sunday schedule and serving capacity as required and in accordance with Virginia state regulations.
St. Nicholas Live Streaming Services
As the parish continues work to optimize and increase its outreach, we have set up a YouTube channel to better manage livestreaming services -- search for St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Virginia and subscribe, and you can sign up to get email notifications as well. Many thanks to Vladimir G. for his efforts in getting this launched.
Virtual Coffee Hour: Connect via Zoom, beginning at 11:30am: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83508000853
Wedding Announcement
Nicholas M. and Jennifer W. invite you to their wedding on Saturday, 18 July at 3pm at St. Nicholas. Light refreshments will follow. Between now and then, we ask that everyone pray most fervently for them and their families as they prepare to be joined in the sacrament of Holy Marriage.
Opportunities to Serve Your Neighbor
As we celebrate the Lord's Resurrection, we must continue to remember the critical importance of loving our neighbor (Mt 22:34-40), as the Lord commanded us to do ( "my neighbor is my salvation"). Love is demonstrated both in prayer and deed. Please remember your neighbors in this time of acute need. Here are some specific ways to help:
-
Virginia hospitals across the state are experiencing a severe shortage of blood, and the UVA Medical Center is encouraging healthy and eligible individuals to contact the American Red Cross to make an appointment to donate. Our Archbishop Daniel and our seminarians have already done so!
-
Grace Grocery, our neighborhood food pantry at Crozet United Methodist Church, has several volunteer opportunities including set up, client help and clean up for food distributions, unloading food from truck, computer assistant, which are listed on the website. They provide training for first time volunteers. You can ask to be placed on their volunteer email list. Email: foodpantry@crozetunitedmethodist.org Phone: 434-823-4420
-
Please also keep an eye on Support Charlottesville, which is a hub for opportunities to give (and receive) material support. This is a very good way to stay informed, get involved and help your neighbors in need.
-
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank needs healthy volunteers to assist them at multiple locations, as well as in-kind and monetary donations (even more critical as the needs increase). Our Bishops, seminarians and Consistory staff have all been involved in similar work to address food insecurity in New Jersey -- let us emulate their example, and get involved.
- Charlottesville Community Cares has published a resource guide with information on how to receive financial assistance, request for grocery/prescription delivery, COVID-19 hotline, emergency shelter, and Region Ten Emergency Services Hotline. Join the network: bit.ly/cvillecare2020. Donate: congregatecville.com. Email: cvillecares@gmail.com.
Stewardship Reminder
Despite the current (temporary) modification to the parish's schedule of services, meetings, and events, all parishioners are reminded of the pledges they have made as part of their stewardship commitment of time, talent and treasure. Some parishioners may encounter financial hardship during this time of crisis, and we can only give as we are able. That said, the parish must continue to meet its budgetary obligations and operating expenses. Please continue sending your contributions by to the church via US Mail:
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
PO Box 6981
Charlottesville, VA 22906
Special Intentions, Needs and Requests
A reminder to contact Father directly (fr.charles@mailbox.org | 443-204-4542) with any special prayer requests, intentions or concerns/needs, and he will make sure these are addressed.
Recent Prayer Requests
+All who have reposed in the Lord this week due to the pandemic
Nicholas and Jennifer (preparing for holy marriage) and their families
Tetyana (serious illness)
Liubov (mother of Anya B., healing)
Karen (healing)
Maddie (healing)
Katie (healing)
David (healing)
Bill (mission work)
Elaine (mission work)
Fr. Robert and Pani Dobrodyka Christine (retirement)
All those working in defense of human dignity, justice and equality during this time of unrest
The hungry and the homeless, and all those struggling with mental illness and infirmity
All children born and unborn and for their parents
All those struggling financially during the pandemic, and for those whose basic necessities are out of reach
All medical personnel, first responders and others ministering to the sick, and those rendering vital services to their neighbors
All those in high-risk populations during this pandemic