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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-09-08
Bulletin Contents
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News
Parish News & Events
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Exaltation
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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


Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Concert at Carnegie Hall to Benefit Saint Nicholas Shrine

09/05/2019

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America invites all faithful to a special concert at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 8 p.m. to benefit Saint Nicholas Church and National Shrine.
https://www.goarch.org/-/concert-at-carnegie-hall-to-benefit-saint-nicholas-shrine

Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth are Being Implemented Throughout the Archdiocese and in Every Metropolis

09/05/2019

The implementation and enforcement of the Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth take another step forward towards the goal of ensuring that every ministry and event is physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe and healthy for the children of all Greek Orthodox Churches in America.
https://www.goarch.org/-/2019-09-05-policies-for-the-safety-of-children-and-youth

Letter from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Regarding New Youth Safety Policies

09/05/2019

I am writing as Archbishop to bring to your attention an important matter that is and must be an urgent concern for all of us who work with children in every aspect of the Archdiocese, in every Metropolis and in every parish and youth ministry. This letter is to call each of us to action, and to encourage us as our clergy, our lay leaders and our fellow parishioners to mobilize to serve our children and youth.
https://www.goarch.org/-/letter-archbishop-elpidophoros-youth-safety-policies

Cardinal Dolan Welcomes Archbishop Elpidophoros at St. Patrick's Cathedral

09/04/2019

Cardinal Dolan honored Archbishop Elpidophoros of America by hosting a lunch today, September 4, 2019, to welcome him to New York. After initial introductions and warm greetings, the Cardinal and Archbishop exchanged remarks.
https://www.goarch.org/-/2019-09-04-cardinal-dolan-welcomes-archbishop

Archbishop Elpidophoros Expresses Condolences to the OCA for the Falling Asleep of Archbishop Nikon

09/03/2019

On behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Archbishop Elpidophoros expresses his deep condolences to the Orthodox Church in America for the falling asleep of Archbishop Nikon.
https://www.goarch.org/-/oca-falling-asleep-of-archbishop-nikon
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Parish News & Events

WEEKLY BULLETIN

09/08/2019

  

September 8, 2019                  Sunday before the Holy Cross            

 

Orthros: 8:30A.M.

Epistle: Galatians: 6:11-18 (pg. 1333)

Divine Liturgy: 9:30A.M.

Gospel: John 3:13-17 (pg.1238)

 

Acolytes: Paul Nonas, Andrew Skoufis, Kirk Simeonidis, Vassili Salvemini,
Luke Gnospelius, Christos Schmarge

 

Ushers: Michael Kalliotzis, Ted Milyadis, John Peters, Christos Agrapidis

Narthex: John Psomas, Angelo Lefer

 

Reader: George Gasparis

 

Greeter: Philoptochos


  Fellowship Hour
The Parish Council

 
     

 

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation” Galatians 6:15
                                                                          The Nativity of the Theotokos
Today we celebrate the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. This Feast commemorates the birth of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

 

 

Young Emerging Adults (YEA): we are gathering tomorrow night, Monday, September 9th at 7:30pm.

at the home of Irene and Anton Ayvas. All young people ages 18-40 are invited! Contact Fr. Billat frbill@stnicholasnj.org  or Irene Ayvas iayvas@yahoo.com

 

Commemoration of 9/11: ThisWednesday is the 18 year anniversary of 9/11.  Today we will pray for the victims and the surviving families of the 9/11 Tragedy as well as the victims of the recent mass shootings and hurricane Dorian.

 

Philoptochos: Welcome back!  Hope everyone had a wonderful summer.  The Philoptochos will be starting the new calendar year with its first board meeting on Monday, September 9th at 7:00pm in the Conference room. 

 

GOYA Opening Night: The first GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) Night of the New Ecclesiastical Year will be held on Tuesday, September 10th at 7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. See insert for more details.

 

Holy Cross Celebration: Metropolitan Evangelos invites us all to celebrate Holy Cross Day on Sunday, September 15th at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park.  We will send our GOYA divers to retrieve the Cross! All parishioners are invited to support /attend this celebration and free picnic.  The churches in New Jersey will not celebrate Divine Liturgy on September 15th. Saint Nicholas will be closed.

 

Pastor’s Wish List: We are in need of basil for our September 14th services.  If you can donate a bunch or two, kindly drop off on Friday during our normal business hours 9:00am -5:00pm.   

Also Fr. Bill seeks donations of $1500 for 15 new acolyte robes for November 3 celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

Church Service: This Saturday, September 14th we will hold worship services for the Elevation of the Holy Cross with Orthros starting at 9:00am and Divine Liturgy at 10:00a.m. (Strict fast day)

 

Regular Schedule: Our fall/winter/spring REGUAR schedule of worship services begins Sunday, September 29th. Orthros will begin at 9:00am and Divine Liturgy at 10:00am. 

 

Religious Education: KIDS FEST! Orientation & Celebration will be on Sunday, September 29th after Holy Communion. Classes Begin on Sunday, October 6.

 

The Orthodox Christian Network: For inspiration on the internet, start your day at MYOCN.NET

 

Summer Schedule Continues: Orthros at 8:30am and Divine Liturgy at 9:30am.  NOTE: Weekday worship hours, including Saturdays, remain at regular start times- Orthros at 9am and Divine Liturgy at 10a.m.

 

Saint Nicholas is on Social Media! Like us on Facebook @stnicholasnj and follow us on Instagram @stnicholasgoc. To share your ministry’s events and activities email.

 

Saint Nicholas Greek Festival: Our Saint Nicholas Greek Festival is set for September 20-22.  Let’s all step up and volunteer to make this a successful event for our community. Expect lots of food, dancing and fun! To be a “VIP” ( volunteer in parish) or for information, contact: Nick Pirsos pirsos@verizon.net or Angelo Lefer angelo5763@msn.com 

Greek School: Parents! This is a friendly reminder to complete your Saint Nicholas Greek School 2019-2020 registration online. Seats are limited! Information and registration can be found at https://sngswyckoff.corsizio.com. Additional questions to Angela Bachardy at angelarokkos@hotmail.com or Demetra Pittas at demetra.pittas@gmail.com.

 

Save the Date: Parish 50th Anniversary Celebration: Sunday November 3, 2019

If you would like to buy an AD for the 50th Anniversary Journal, contact Melissa Gasparis at melissa@peercg.com or 201-788-0403. In addition, ads will be for sale after church during fellowship hour.
Photo Collection for the 50th Anniversary Gala: Do you have any photos of St. Nicholas and its events throughout the years? Please share them with us to use in a commemorative video for the 50th Anniversary Gala!  Please send your digital photos to saintnicholasgala@gmail.com or give hard copies of the photos to Diana Manoussakis or Toni Gasparis. Hard copies will be returned. Thank you for your help!

 

Giving Tree/Mortgage Burning Campaign: bygod’s graceour 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. Contact Fr. Bill at 201 652 4774 ext. 12 or frbill@stnicholasnj.org

 

The Orthodox Ladies Prayer Group:  All ladies are welcome to join our prayer meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month at 7:30pm in our Theotokos chapel.  We spend a dedicated time of informal prayer for our nation, church community, families and friends.  Not only are we seeing countless answers to prayers, but this intimate time of fellowship together is encouraging and deepening our own faith. You are welcome to join us anytime.  All prayer requests are kept confidential. Call the parish office or Irene Ayvas 201-803-2307, with any prayer requests you want added to our list or submitted to the “Email Prayer Chain”. “Email Prayer Chain”:  It’s simple and powerful.  If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, email Irene Ayvas at iayvas@yahoo.com with your email contact info or call 201-803-2307.

 


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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 for Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode

Thy Nativity, O Theotokos, hath procliamed joy to the whole world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."

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
  • Apolytikion for Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone © Narthex Press
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    Gospel and Epistle Readings

    Matins Gospel Reading

    The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
    The Reading is from Luke 1:39-49, 56

    In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

    And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

    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 Galatians 6:11-18.

    Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

    Gospel Reading

    Sunday before Holy Cross
    The Reading is from John 3:13-17

    The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

    "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

    For not in heaven only is He, but everywhere, and He fills all things; but yet He speaks according to the infirmity of His hearer, desiring to lead him up little by little ... For after having spoken of the very great benefaction that had come to man by Baptism, He proceeds to mention another benefaction, which was the cause of this, and not inferior to it; namely, that by the Cross ...
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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    Saints and Feasts

    Exaltation
    September 08

    Sunday before Holy Cross

    Vmnativt
    September 08

    The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

    According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.

    Allsaint
    September 08

    Sophronios, Bishop of Iberia

    Joachann
    September 09

    The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna

    Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.

    Joachann
    September 09

    The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna

    Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.

    Allsaint
    September 09

    Theophanes the Confessor

    Allsaint
    September 09

    Memory of the Third Holy Ecumenical Council in Ephesus

    Allsaint
    September 09

    Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

    Allsaint
    September 09

    Severian the Martyr of Sebastia

    Saint Severian, a senator from Sebastia, was both an illustrious man of wealth and a fearless Christian. Because he encouraged the holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia to stand fast in their confession, he was given over to terrible torments, and received his own crown during the reign of Licinius and Lysius the Duke, about the year 315.

    Allsaint
    September 10

    Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

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