Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Archbishop Elpidophoros Convenes First Ever Monastic Assembly

09/21/2019

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America today convened the first ever Monastic Assembly in the United States to promote the value and importance of monasticism in our Orthodox Christian tradition and the spiritual life of the faithful. The abbots and abbesses of 18 monasteries are attending the Assembly, which is taking place at the Holy Monastery of Saint Nektarios in Roscoe, NY.‬

https://www.goarch.org/-/monastic-assembly-2019

Archbishop Elpidophoros Offers Agiasmos for the New School Year at St. Demetrios School in Astoria

09/20/2019

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, celebrated the Service of Agiasmos for the new academic year at Saint Demetrios Greek American Day School in Astoria, NY.

https://www.goarch.org/-/agiasmos-new-school-year-st-demetrios-school-astoria

Archbishop Elpidophoros Participates in Orthodoxy on Tap - NYC

09/20/2019

NEW YORK – On Thursday, September 19, 2019, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros participated in Orthodoxy on Tap - NYC. The event took place at Pier A Restaurant in Battery Park, where a hundred Orthodox young adults and professionals from various backgrounds welcomed him.

https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-elpidophoros-participates-in-orthodoxy-on-tap-nyc

Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA meet with Archbishop Elpidophoros

09/19/2019

NEW YORK – Archbishop Elpidophoros received Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

https://www.goarch.org/-/metropolitan-antony-and-archbishop-daniel-of-the-ukrainian-orthodox-church-of-the-usa-meet-with-archbishop-elpidophoros

Executive Committee of the Assembly of Bishops Recommits to Orthodox Unity in the USA

09/19/2019

The Executive Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America met today, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Elpidophoros, to discuss the state of Orthodox Christian unity in the USA. Recognizing the challenges in global Orthodoxy, the jurisdictional representatives reiterated their commitment to the local faithful of America and rededicated themselves to fulfilling the call for canonical normalcy and pastoral unity on contemporary issues.

https://www.goarch.org/-/2019-09-18-assembly-of-bishops-recommits-to-orthodox-unity-in-the-usa

Archbishop Receives D.A.D. Executive Board of the Federation of Church Musicians

09/16/2019

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros met with the Direct Archdiocesan District Executive Board of the Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians on Monday, September 16, in his office at the Archdiocese. Members of the Executive Board are Mrs. Anna Dounelis, President; Mr. Theodore Brakatselos, Vice-President; Mrs. Irini Kapareliotis, Treasurer; Mrs. Fay Pavlidis, Mrs. Peggy Stilianos, Public Relations Office, and V. Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert, Spiritual Advisor.

https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-receives-d-a-d-executive-board-of-the-federation-of-church-musicians

Conclusions from Pan-Orthodox Meeting on Homelessness

09/16/2019

On Friday, September 13, 2019, ten Pan-Orthodox organizations concluded a vibrant and productive meeting on the crisis of homelessness. The twenty experts arrived at the following common multi-faceted understanding

https://www.goarch.org/-/conclusions-from-pan-orthodox-meeting-on-homelessness

Parish News & Events

WEEKLY BULLETIN

09/22/2019

September 22, 2019 1^st Sunday of Luke

*Orthros: 8:30A.M.

Epistle: II Corinthians: 1:21-24; 2:1-4 (pg. 1321)

*Divine Liturgy: 9:30A.M.

Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 (pg.1207)

Acolytes: James Gougousis, Alexandros Christakos, Michael Maris, Damon Servidio Jr.

Ushers: Ann Barlas, Shelley Markoulis, Dimitri Markoulis, George Karkanias

Narthex: John Tsadilas

Reader: Ann Barlas

Greeter: The Athan Gougousis Family

Fellowship Hour: Annual Festival

Prosforon: The Amoratis Family
The Tolios Family

“Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” Luke 5:10
Phocas the Martyr, Bishop of Sinope
This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honor was composed by Saint John Chrysostom.

The translation (relocation to a holy venue) of Saint Phocas’ holy relics is celebrated on July 23.

Memorials: A 40 day memorial for Nicolaos Amoratis,beloved husband to Kalleope, father to John and his wife Lisa, George and his wife Victoria and Renee. Cherished grandfather to Nick, Peter, Nick, Alexa, Tanner, Kalle, Stephen and Quinn. Beloved great grandfather of Carter, Peter, Alyce and Lina. Much-loved brother and uncle to many dear family members.

A 1 year memorial for Athanasios Tolios beloved husband to the late Evdokia, father to Alexandra and her husband Mihalis and Martha and her husband Sam. Cherished pappou to Stratton, Gena, Stavros, Derya, Vasilki and Yvonne and great grandfather to Amelia.

Eternal be their memory.

Saint Nicholas Greek Festival: Our Saint Nicholas Greek Festival continues today from NOON- 7pm.

Annual Holy Cross Celebration: This past Sunday was the celebration of the Elevation of the Precious & Lifegiving Holy Cross in Asbury Park, NJ. Representing Saint Nicholas GOYA and diving for the Cross in the junior division were Nicoletta Carmichael & Alex Peppes and from the senior division Cassandra Carmichael. We are grateful to God, their advisors and parents for their participation. Go to https://cosmosphilly.com/orthodox-faithful-dive-for-the-cross/ to see the event!

Feast-Day of Saint John the Theologian: The Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian at 353 East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, NJ invites all of us to its patron saint’s feast day celebrations: Hierarchical Great Vespers at 7pm on Wednesday 9/25 and Orthros & Divine Liturgy on Thursday 9/26 beginning at 9am. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos will preside at both services. Call 201-567-5072 for details.

Young Emerging Adults (YEA): next gathering on Monday, October 7^th 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

Pastor’s Wish List: Fr. Bill seeks additional donations of $2100 for 15 new acolyte robes for our November 3^RD Hierarchial liturgical celebration & 50th anniversary.

Saint Nicholas Choir: The Choir resumes next Sunday. We are always looking for new members. If God has blessed you with the love of singing, a great way to give thanks and to serve the Lord is to participate in the Liturgy through the praises and chanting of our beautiful hymns. If you are interested in participating please contact Andrew Bacalakis at 973-427-7763 or acbac@optonline.net. No experience necessary!

*Return to Regular services Schedule: Our fall/winter/spring REGUAR schedule of worship services begins NEXT Sunday, September 29^th. Orthros will begin at 9:00a.m. and Divine Liturgy at 10:00a.m.

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

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

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.

Save the Date: Parish 50^th 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 2^nd and 4^th 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.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Phocas in the Fourth Mode

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Phocas. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

SAINT NICHOLAS ARCHBISHOP OF MYRA IN LYCIA in the First Mode

The truth of things has revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause, you have achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

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 Plagal of the First Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Phocas in the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:1-4.

Brethren, it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

But I call God to witness against me - it was to spare you that I refrained from coming to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

Gospel Reading

1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11

At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Wisdom of the Fathers

For now they were well instructed beforehand...But mark both their faith and their obedience. For though they were in the midst of their work when they heard His command, they delayed not, they procrastinated not, they said not, "let us return home, and converse with our kinsfolk," but "they forsook all and followed."

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

Because such is the obedience which Christ seeks of us, as that we delay not even a moment of time, though something absolutely most needful should vehemently press on us.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

Saints and Feasts

September 22

1st Sunday of Luke

September 22

Phocas the Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.

September 22

Phocas the Cyprian

September 22

Isaac & Martinos the Martyrs 26 Monk-martyrs of Zographou Monastery martyred by the Latins

September 23

The Conception of St. John the Baptist

This came to pass fifteen months before the birth of Christ, after the vision of the Angel that Zacharias, the father of the Forerunner, saw in the Temple while he executed the priest's office in the order of his course during the feast of the Tabernacles, as tradition bears witness. In this vision, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and said to him, "Thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John" (Luke 1:13). Knowing that Elizabeth was barren, and that both he and she were elderly, Zacharias did not believe what the Angel told him, although he had before him the example of Abraham and Sarah, of Hannah, mother of the Prophet Samuel, and of other barren women in Israel who gave birth by the power of God. Hence, he was condemned by the Archangel to remain speechless until the fulfilment of these words in their season, which also came to pass (Luke 1:7-24).

September 23

Nicholas the New Martyr

September 23

Xanthippe & Polyxene the Righteous

September 23

John the New Martyr of Epiros

September 23

The Conception of St. John the Baptist

September 24

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Archbishop Elpidophoros Convenes First Ever Monastic Assembly

09/21/2019

Archbishop Elpidophoros Offers Agiasmos for the New School Year at St. Demetrios School in Astoria

09/20/2019

Archbishop Elpidophoros Participates in Orthodoxy on Tap - NYC

09/20/2019

Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA meet with Archbishop Elpidophoros

09/19/2019

Executive Committee of the Assembly of Bishops Recommits to Orthodox Unity in the USA

09/19/2019

Archbishop Receives D.A.D. Executive Board of the Federation of Church Musicians

09/16/2019

Conclusions from Pan-Orthodox Meeting on Homelessness

09/16/2019

Parish News & Events

WEEKLY BULLETIN

09/22/2019

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Phocas in the Fourth Mode

SAINT NICHOLAS ARCHBISHOP OF MYRA IN LYCIA in the First Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Wisdom of the Fathers

Saints and Feasts

1st Sunday of Luke

Phocas the Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

Phocas the Cyprian

Isaac & Martinos the Martyrs 26 Monk-martyrs of Zographou Monastery martyred by the Latins

The Conception of St. John the Baptist

Nicholas the New Martyr

Xanthippe & Polyxene the Righteous

John the New Martyr of Epiros

The Conception of St. John the Baptist

The Commemoration of the Miracle of the Theotokos Myrtidiotissis in Kythyra