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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-03-31
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
news
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
INVITATIONS
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (201) 652-4774 for emergencies: 201 870 2676
  • Fax:
  • (201) 652-0789
  • Street Address:

  • 467 Grandview Avenue

  • Wyckoff, NJ 07481

Contact Information

Reverend Basil C. Gikas
Pastor

frbill@stnicholasnj.org | 201 652 4774 ext. 12

Ms. Rula Thasites
Administrator

office@stnicholasnj.org | 201 652 4774 ext. 10

Services Schedule

 

Sundays in the fall, winter & spring:

Matins: 9 a.m. &  Divine Liturgy 10a.m. except during the summer

 

Summer hours for Sundays in July and August:

Matins: 8:30a.m.  & Divine Liturgy 9:30a.m.

Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after he was raised from the dead, and he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."

Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" So, the word went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die; but Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

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news

WEEKLY BULLETIN

03/31/2019

March 31, 2019                      Sunday of the Holy Cross             3rd Sunday of Lent

Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great

Like us on Facebook: @stnicholasnj                Follow us on Instagram: @stnicholasgoc-

 

Today, the Third Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Services include a special veneration of the Cross, which prepares the faithful for the commemoration of the Crucifixion during Holy Week.

 

Orthros: 9:00A.M.

Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1- 6 (pg. 1361)

Divine Liturgy: 10:00A.M.

Gospel: Mark 8:34 -38; 9:1 (pg. 1189)

 

Acolytes:   Paul Dobrow, Nick Seretis, Emmanuel Pittas,  Nico Pittas, Alex Peppes, Alexi Argyros, Aidan William Soukas,
C J Soukas, Harrison Bouloukos  

 

Ushers:  Peggy Goulet, Shelley Markoulis, Dimitri Markoulis, George Karkanias

 

 

Reader: Jim Coromilas

 

Greeters: Kathy Peppes and Demetra Pittas

 

Fellowship Hour: AHEPA

 

Narthex: John Tsadilas, Dean Mellas,
                Kathy Van Dine
     

 

The Essential Sacrament of Holy Confession: Fr. Bill hears confessions during the Lenten period. Confession is a necessary and highly beneficial sacrament that improves our spiritual lives and our relationship with the Lord.  Just make your appointment by contacting Fr Bill directly and in strict confidence at 201 652 4774 ext. 12 or frbill@stnicholasnj.org.  To learn more about the holy sacrament of confession, go to https://www.goarch.org/-/preparation-for-holy-confession call Fr. Bill.

 

Tray Collection: For Holy Week & Pascha decorations & flowers.

 

 

Lenten Services: This week the following services will be observed: 4th Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Wednesday, April 3rd at 5:30pm; 4th Salutation Service, Friday, April 5th at 7:00pm.  Salutation to the Theotokos service books are available in the Narthex. They contain the Friday evening Salutation Service (Akathist Hymn) and are $12 per copy.

 

The Saint Nicholas Lenten Lecture Series Continues this Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:30p.m.  

Topic: “Forgiveness is not Forgetting” by Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou from Fordham University Center for Orthodox Christian Studies.Each Wednesday evening at 7:30pm during Lent a topic on the Faith is offered in the Fellowship Hall.  Please join us early for the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 5:30pm, a light Lenten meal at 6:45pm and the presentation (lecture) at 7:30p.m. Contact Fr Bill for more info at frbill@stnicholasnj.org

 

Religious Education:   Today we celebrate the Veneration of the Holy Cross. Our children (and the rest of us) will receive a flower to remind us we are midway through Lent. Educators will discuss the importance of this special service which prepares us for the commemoration of the Crucifixion. We are reminded that throughout the period of Lent, we worshipers are also crucified with Christ by thinking and acting less for ourselves. The flower is a symbol of the new life we expect in the Resurrection.

 

 

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

 

Kali Parea: Please join us on Tuesday, April 2nd for our monthly meeting.Fellowship Hall12Noon.A Lenten lunch will be provided. Dessert and coffee will be served. Look forward to seeing all members and new friends.

 

Save The Date: Our Community will be participating in the Annual Greek Independence Day Parade in NYC on Sunday, April 14th. Everyone is welcome to attend. There will be a bus leaving the church immediately following Divine Liturgy. For further information,  please contact Tammy Spyropoulos (efstathiaspy@yahoo.com)

 

Daughters of Penelope: The AGAPE Chapter is holding its annual Tsoureki Sale! We will also be selling Red 'Easter Egg' Dye.  Please support this fund-raiser. Pre-paid orders will be accepted until April 15th  (look for the flyer/order form set out during Fellowship Hour). The tsourekia and dye will be distributed in the Fellowship Hall after Liturgy on Palm Sunday, April 21st.

 

AHEPA Scholarship Applications: The local AHEPA RAMAPO Chapter 453 is once again proud to announce its 6th Annual Thomas Pappas Scholarship Award Program. Several scholarships will be awarded to qualified and deserving high school seniors and/or college students. All eligible students are invited and encouraged  to apply for a scholarship.  Applications are available online at: www.ahepa453.org  (click on education/scholarships, scroll down to AHEPA 453 application).  The submission deadline is April 30, 2019.

 Applications must be mailed no later than the deadline at: AHEPA Ramapo Chapter 453 Attention: George Bayiokos, Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Avenue, Wyckoff,  New Jersey 07481

 

EX-O Ministry- Excursions Orthodoxy: Please join us for our upcoming “EX-O” Excursions St Nicholas Day Trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse to see “Over The River and Through the Woods” on Thursday, June 13th.  For more information contact Caroline Kalliotzis 201 819-3361.

 

Parish 50th Anniversary Celebration: Sunday November 3, 2019: St. Nicholas' 50th Anniversary Gala will be held on November 3, 2019 from 5-11pm at the Venetian. Mark your calendars for a wonderful evening of food, drinks, dancing, and celebration! Ticket and reservation information to follow. Questions? Email saintnicholasgala@gmail.com 

 

Giving Tree/Mortgage Burning Campaign: our parish plans to be mortgage free by 2020- you can help to make it happen! Various giving levels are available: you can leaf your donation, or show your love - donate a dove… be the first on your block to donate a rock…be a hunk and give a tree trunk!   You can memorialize your loved one by donating to the giving tree and including a scriptural message. We are at about 36% of our goal.  Contact Fr. Bill at 201 652 4774 ext. 12

 

Matching Gift Program: Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees. Corporate matching gifts are a great way for Saint Nicholas stewards to maximize personal contributions to our church and increase the impact of their gift. By taking advantage of a company's matching gift program, you may be able to double or even triple the amount of a contribution. For more information contact Mary Aletras at mary@stnicholasnj.org. Check with your employer to see if they will match a donation to our Saint Nicholas. 

 

Stewardship By Numbers:Stewardship is our personal offering of time, talent and treasure. Stewardship is based on Holy Scripture as God has heavenly expectations for His people. Since time and talent offerings are more difficult to measure, one measurement of our response to God is our average “treasure” pledge per steward household. In Stewardship year 2018, we had 379 households that donated a total of $333,325. To date for stewardship year 2019, we have 231 households that have pledged $239,910. If you have not done so please pledge for 2019 by completing a 2019 stewardship card. We ask that you offer at least 1% of your income as “treasure.” Holy Scripture instructs us to at least tithe (10%) of our income. For our 400 households to cover our annual budget we need approximately $145 per month per household.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion of Sun. of the Elevation of the Cross in the First Tone

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

The translations of hymns are under copyright and used by permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, in print or on other websites or in any other form, without the prior written authorization of the copyright holder:

  • Resurrectional Apolytikion in Third Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA
  • Apolytikion of Sun. of the Elevation of the Cross in the First Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Narthex Press
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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    Nothing comes without effort. The help of God is always ready and always near, but is given only to those who seek and work, and only to those seekers who, after putting all their powers to the test, then cry out with their whole heart: "Lord, help us."
    St. Theophan the Recluse
    19th Century

    Interior crosses can found at all times, and more easily than exterior ones. You have only to direct your attention to yourself and examine yourself with a sense of repentance, and a thousand interior crosses will at once present themselves to you. . . Interior crosses are sometimes so burdensome that the sufferer can find no consolation whatever in anything. All this can happen to you too! But in whatever position you may be, and whatever sufferings of the soul you may feel, do not despair and do not think that the Lord has abandoned you. NO! God will always be with you and will invisibly strengthen you even when it seems to you that you are on the very brink of perdition.
    St. Innocent of Alaska
    The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 148, 19th Century

    To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
    St. Innocent of Alaska
    The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

    And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me."
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

    "I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

    A Christian's . . . duty is to "take up his cross." The word cross means sufferings, sorrows and adversities. To take up one's cross means to bear without grumblings everything unpleasant, painful, sad, difficult and oppressive that ay happen to us in life. . .without expecting any earthly reward in return, but bear it all with love, with joy and with courageous strength.
    St. Innocent of Alaska
    The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

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    INVITATIONS

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