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July 1, 2018    5^th Sunday of Matthew  

Saint Cosmas and Damian the HOLY UNMERCENARIES

Memorial & Trisagia: A 1 year memorial for Ekaterini Emiris, beloved mother to Anastasia Emporellis and Dionisia Pavlou and beloved yiayia to her grandchildren.

A 4 year Trisagion for William T. Fullam, beloved husband and soulmate of Dr. Aretoula Fullam. Godfather of Nayia Sophia and brother-in-law of Stavros and Kathy. Beloved brother of Phil Fullam and uncle of Jennifer and Alex. Beloved and treasured friend to many family members, friends and colleagues.

A 12 year Trisagion for Christopher Mastory, beloved son of Virginia, brother to Constantina, uncle to Isabella, Andriana and Gregory. Eternal be their memory.

Office Closed: TheParish Office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4^th in observance of our National Holiday.   

Note: Sessions on Scripture (SOS) will be resuming its classes in the autumn.

A Happy Fourth of July: On the 4^th of July, we celebrate the principles and ideals of independence and freedom in this great land, let us pause and reflect on the many blessings that our heavenly Father has bestowed upon each and every one of us; and may we each pause to rededicate in a special way our gifts and talents to God and Country, using them to insure that America and Americans are strong, courageous, faithful, patriotic God fearing people.  God Bless America.  At the end of Divine Liturgy today, we would like all our faithful to stand and join in singing God bless America.

God bless, America, land that I love.

Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above,

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam.

God bless America, my home sweet home.

God bless America, my home sweet home.

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam.

God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.

Summer Schedule: Our Summer worship schedule has begun.  Orthros at 8:30am and Divine Liturgy at 9:30am.Weekday (including Saturday) Worship hours remain the same.

Philoptochos News: We are collecting nonperishable food items for the homeless. A basket is placed in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you for your support

Philoptochos Flea Market: The Saint Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos Society will continue to accept donations for our upcoming Flea Market!   Sales will begin in July and August so we need to start collecting your new/used books, household items, children's toys, linens, dishes, crystal, electronics, sporting equipment, shoes and clothing.    Please drop off your items on Sundays at the Paul Koukos Room/Fr. Jim's old office.  If you have any questions or to schedule your drop off contact Irene Moreira irenengeo@yahoo.com or call 973-694-7422.    

Saint Nicholas Charity Golf and Tennis Classic: Attention! Only few golfer registration seats are available. Please sign up today after Divine Liturgy in the fellowship hall.
On Monday, July 9^th, Saint Nicholas will sponsor its 22^nd Charity Golf Classic at Edgewood Country Club, River Vale, and NJ. This year tennis has been added to our event. The proceeds from this event will support the Church sponsored charities, ministries and activities. How can you assist our church’s efforts? In addition to golfer and tennis registration, there are a variety of sponsorship opportunities available. Please remember you do not have to be a golfer or a tennis player to show your support. You may attend our banquet for $85 or you can help by making a monetary donation or donating a sponsorship. As part of our prize selections we will be preparing Gift Baskets. We are in need of donations of wine, dry goods (i.e. crackers, fruits) to include in these baskets. Restaurant gift certificates and tickets to sporting events and concerts tickets would be very much appreciated. Drop off donations to the office or our table set up in the Parish Center during Fellowship Hour on Sundays.  Your generosity will be appreciated! For additional information contact Claire Melissas at 201-742-5521 happyfaceyiayia@aol.com

Saint Nicholas Vacation Church School (VCS) (on site): August 6- August 10, 9am-12:30pm for children 5-11 years of age. VCS 2018 Registration forms are available in the fellowship hall area and on our web site! Register before July 1 $40 after $55! www.stnicholasnj.org  Contact Dee Bouloukos deebouloukos@aol.com and/or Agape Schmarge agapake@aol.com to register and for information.

Annual Greek Festival: Please join us in helping Saint Nicholas once again proudly showcase its faith and heritage via our wonderful Festival, in which we were rated First Place in one category and 2^nd place in another by Bergen 201 Magazine in 2017. Every week we will be circulating an updated Festival list. Please respond by sending your name, e-mail address, and which station you would like to volunteer for in 2018 to office@stnicholasnj.org. OPA!
If you are interested in chairing a department contact Nick Pirsos at Pirsos@verizon.net

Greek School: Greek School registration is underway for the 2018/2019 academic year.  Greek School meets Fridays from 4:15pm – 6:30pm and will begin on Friday, September 14, 2017. The school calendar will be distributed to registered families later this summer.  If you have questions or wish to receive the registrations forms, contact Angela Rokkos Bachardy at angelarokkos@hotmail.com or Demetra Pittas at demetra.pittas@ericsson.com.

Candle Donation Benefit: Earn a convenient tax deduction record for your candle donations. Booklets are available for purchase at the Office or Narthex (Sundays). Candle money comes in a $2 booklet of 25 for $50; a $5 booklet of 10 for $50; a $10 booklet of 5 for $50 and a $20 booklet of 5 for $100. Candle money can only be used for candle donations. It is non-refundable, must be used for its full value and cannot be exchanged for cash.

Saint Nicholas Benevolent Fund: In the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus acknowledges those who saw him thirsty and gave Him drink and those who saw Him hungry and gave Him food amongst others who gave alms. The Lord considers them worthy of the heavenly kingdom to come.  Saint John Chrysostom speaks of charity (almsgiving) as part of the self-denial of Great Lent. The great saint and orator of the 4^th century commented that it was more important to feed the hungry than to raise the dead! We Greek Orthodox Christians are generous stewards. Throughout the year, however, there are some of us that may be experiencing true hardship yet keep it a secret. Our Saint Nicholas benevolent fund was established to help those in need. If you know of someone in our beloved Saint Nicholas community that needs help, please reach out to Fr. Bill or any Parish Council member. You too can make a difference! Mail your donation check or drop it in the collection plate in our Narthex.  All communication will remain confidential. “God bless you always for your open heart! Contact Fr Bill for information frbill@stnicholasnj.org