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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-12-03
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
upcoming events
Weekly Sunday Bulletin
Hymns of the Day
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

Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices, which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered His words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the Apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 5:8-19.

Brethren, walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.

Gospel Reading

14th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43

At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

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Saints and Feasts

Blindboy
December 03

14th Sunday of Luke

Zephania
December 03

The Holy Prophet Sophonias (Zephaniah)

This Prophet, who is ninth in order among the minor Prophets, was the son of Chusi (Cushi), from the tribe of Levi, or according to some, the great-grandson of King Hezekias. He prophesied in the years of Josias, who reigned in the years 641-610 before Christ. His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters. His name means "Yah has concealed."

Allsaint
December 03

Our Righteous Father John, Bishop and Hesychast

Allsaint
December 03

Holy Martyrs Agapius and Seleucius

Allsaint
December 03

Theodore, Archbishop of Alexandria

Allsaint
December 03

Karpos the Hieromartyr

Allsaint
December 03

Angelis the New Martyr

Barbara1
December 04

Barbara the Great Martyr

Saint Barbara was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia and lived during the reign of Maximian.

She was the daughter of a certain idolater named Dioscorus. When Barbara came of age, she was enlightened in her pure heart and secretly believed in the Holy Trinity. About this time Dioscorus began building a bath-house; before it was finished he was required to go away to attend to certain matters, and in his absence Barbara directed the workmen to build a third window in addition to the two her Father had commanded. She also inscribed the sign of the Cross with her finger upon the marble of the bath-house, leaving the saving sign cut as deeply into the marble as if it had been done with an iron tool. (When the Synaxarion of Saint Barbara was written, the marble of the bath-house and the cross inscribed by Saint Barbara were still preserved, and many healings were worked there.) When Dioscorus returned, he asked why the third window had been added; Barbara began to declare to him the mystery of the Trinity. Because she refused to renounce her faith, Dioscorus tortured Barbara inhumanely, and after subjecting her to many sufferings he beheaded her with his own hands, in the year 290.

Allsaint
December 04

Alexander Hotovitzky, New Hieromartyr of Russia, Missionary to America

Johndmsc
December 04

John the Righteous of Damascus

Saint John was born in Damascus about the year 675, the son of wealthy and pious parents, of the family of Mansur. He was reared together with Saint Cosmas (see Oct. 14), who had been adopted by John's father Sergius, a man of high rank in the service of the Caliph of Damascus. Both of these young men were instructed by a certain monk, also named Cosmas, who had been taken captive in Italy by the Arabs and later ransomed by John's Father. Saint John became a great philosopher and enlightener of the age in which he lived, and was honoured by the Caliph with the dignity of counsellor.

When Emperor Leo the Isaurian (reigned 717-741) began his war on the holy icons, John wrote epistles defending their veneration. Since the Saint, being under the Caliph of Damascus, was beyond Leo's power, the Iconoclast Emperor had a letter forged in John's handwriting which invited Leo to attack Damascus, saying the city guard was then weak; Leo then sent this letter to the Caliph, who in his fury punished John's supposed treason with the severing of his right hand. The Saint obtained the Caliph's Permission to have his severed hand again, and that night prayed fervently to the most holy Theotokos before her icon. She appeared to him in a dream and healed his hand, which, when he awoke, he found to be healed in truth. This Miracle convinced the Caliph of his innocence, and he restored John to his office as counsellor. The Saint, however, with many pleadings obtained his permission to withdraw from the world to become a monk. He assumed the monastic habit in the Monastery of Saint Sabbas. Then he had as elder a very simple and austere monk who commanded him neither to write to anyone, nor to speak of the worldly knowledge he had acquired, and John faithfully obeyed. A monk grieving over his brother's death, however, after insisting vehemently, prevailed upon John to write a funeral hymn to console him for his brother's death. When John's elder learned of his transgression of the rule he had given him, he cast him out of his cell, and would only accept him back after John had humbly, with much self-condemnation and without murmuring consented to clean all the latrines in the lavra. After his elder had received him back, our Lady appeared to the elder and sternly charged him not to hinder John any longer from his writings and composition of hymns.

In his writings he fought courageously against the Iconoclasts Leo the Isaurian and his son Constantine Copronymus. He was also the first to write a refutation of Islam. The time he had spent as a counsellor in the courts of the Moslems of Damascus had given him opportunity to learn their teachings at first hand, and he wrote against their errors with a sound understanding of their essence. Saint John was surnamed Chrysorroas ("Golden-stream") because of the eloquence of his rhetorical style and the great abundance of his writings; this name - Chrysorroas was also the name of the river that flows by Damascus. In his writings he set forth the Orthodox Faith with exactness and order. In his old age, after his foster-brother Cosmas had been made Bishop of Maiuma, John also was ordained presbyter by the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Having lived eighty-four years, he reposed in peace in 760. In addition to his theological writings, he adorned the Church of Christ with metrical and prose hymns and composed many of the prosomia used as the models for the melodies of the Church's liturgical chant; he also composed many of the sacred hymns for the feasts of the Lord Saviour and the Theotokos. The life of Saint John of Damascus was written by John, Patriarch of Jerusalem. See also June 28.

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upcoming events

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Weekly Sunday Bulletin

 

WELCOME!  If you are a visitor or a guest and you are with us for the first time, please let us know by completing a welcome card. Also, please join us next door for the fellowship hour. We are happy to have you with us!

 

 

 

Memorials & Trisagion: A 6 month memorial for Areti Kidonis, beloved mother of George and his wife Kristel. Adored grandmother of Khloe. Beloved sister and aunt to many dear family members, Ioannis, Mihalis, Evgenia, Polixeni, Giorgios, Sotiris and Ioannis.

 

A 1 year memorial for George Corniotes, beloved husband of Katherine, father of Peter and Ronni and her husband Pete.Adored grandfather of Peter and John and his wife Leah. Beloved uncle to many dear family members.

 

An 8 month memorial for Vasilis Katsafados, father Anastasia; grandfather of Catherine & Androniki;
a 6 year memorial for Ekaterini Molfeta, mother Anastasia, and grandmother of Catherine and Androniki; a 7 year memorial for Haralambos Emporellis, beloved husband of Anastasia, adored father of Catherine and Androniki.
A 2 year memorial for Andrew Boulos, beloved husband of Helen, devoted father of Catherine and Mary. Loved grandfather of Stephanie, Ariana, Salvatore, Matthew and his wife Toni, Gabriella and Cassandra; great-grandfather to Madeleine.

 

A 24 year trisayio for Constantine Halatsis, beloved husband of Arety, father of Athena (Stathis) Katsaros and George (Michele) Halatsis, Loving grandfather of Constantine, Elizabeth, Marc and Nicholas. Great-grandfather of Isabella, Jordan, Alexa, Efstathia, Nico and Georgea.
Eternal be their memory.
Fellowship hour is sponsored by the Boulos, Corniotes and Kidonis families.

 

Saint Nicholas Feast Day Services: This Tuesday evening, December 5th we begin to celebrate the Feast of our Patron Saint, Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia with Hierarchical Great Vespers at 6:00p.m. Metropolitan Apostolos will be presiding.  Our Ladies Philoptochos will be offering a special reception in the Parish Center for visiting clergy and all who attend. 

 

This Wednesday, December 6th is our Saint Nicholas feast day: 9:00am Orthros and 10:00am Divine Liturgy. Chronia Polla (Many Years) to all!

 

  

 

Tray Collection:  for our patron saint, Saint Nicholas’ feast day.

 

 

 

Religious Education Christmas Party Sunday, December 10th immediately following Divine Liturgy in the Fellowship Hall. RSVP to Demi Thomas at St.Nicholasssdirector@gmail.com.

 

Christmas Pageant is Sunday, December 17th. Please join us.

 

  

 

Scripture Talk: Join us… for this weekly virtual Bible STUDY ON Tuesday Nights, from 7-8 pm EST, on Zoom.     Each week, a different Orthodox priest from around the country helps guide our discussion.     contact christos AGRAPIDIS FOR more info AT CEA.NJ9@GMAIL.COM

 

 

Philoptochos News:  Christmas Food drive for the less fortunate of Bergen County began last Sunday and will continue through December 17th.  


                                                           join us on these joyous dates
Sunday, December 10:   General Elections for Parish Council; Religious Edu. Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 12 6pm: Metropolis of NJ Christmas Tree Lighting 215 E. Grove St.  Westfield,  
Sunday, December 17:    Religious Education Christmas Pageant  
Saturday, March 2, 2024:  2nd Annual Men’s Fellowship Breakfast

 

Parish Council Elections: Elections for members of the Parish Council 2024-26 will be held on Sunday, December 10th in the Conference room adjacent to the parish office. The new candidate is: Mary Boulos Meyer. The Parish Council members whose terms have expired and seek reelection are: Nick Pirsos, Paul Savidis, Katherine Van Dine, and Jon Zymaris. The election committee members are: Ann (Issackedes) Arluna, Ted Vittas, Philip Vogis, Aggie Tsadilas and Stu Johnson.   Early VOTING BALLOTS can be obtained only on the following days and hours: Tuesday, December 5th (prior to Vespers) from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, Friday, December 8th from 4:30pm – 5:30pm.   The Elections are Sunday, December 10th at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy12:00pm through 2:00pm.

 

 

 

Do we Fast Before Christmas? Yes...Fasting is an essential part of our spiritual preparation and edification. Yet, there are many different (and sometimes conflicting messages) regarding fasting. Please bear in mind: From November 15th through December 24, th Orthodox Christians observe a 40 day period of abstinence from animal & dairy products and olive oil. The ascetic discipline prepares us for a major feast- the Lord’s birth-Christmas. By disciplining ourselves in what we eat, what we say, what we give to others (charity, stewardship, etc.) we prepare ourselves to receive the Lord. Without the rigors of the fast, the joyful experience of the feast is minimized. Fasting is never a punishment. Note that consumption of fish is permitted except for Wednesdays and Fridays through December 11th. From December 12th through Christmas Eve, the fast is stricter every day- fruits, nuts, vegetables, shell fish are allowed but no animal or dairy products of course, until Christmas Day. Do the best you can and remember that fasting/abstaining from sin is the greatest fast!

 

 

 

Baked Goods on Sale this Sunday during Fellowship Hour: Packages of Baklava 8 pieces for 25.00  Flogeres- FROZEN must be kept frozen until baking 350 degrees for 25 minutes $2.00 per piece   *Please contact Stephanie Pirsos: spirsos@icloud.com if you would like to purchase the flogeres for pick up this Sunday. Cash, Check or Venmo will be accepted.

 

Koulourakia: A limited numberof freshly baked Koulourakia will be on sale todayin the Fellowship Hall.

 

 

 

Community Christmas Card: Participate in our Annual Community Christmas card!  What a wonderful way of sharing the joy of the season with your fellow parishioners.  Please consider being a part of this annual tradition. A minimum donation of $27 is requested.  The deadline to reply is this Wednesday, December 6th. Got Questions? Contact Aggie Tsadilas 201-310-6135 or email aggietsad@gmail.com

 

 

 

Holiday Food Sale: The Daughters of Penelope are selling Kontos and Filosophy appetizers, entrees and desserts for your Christmas and New Year Holiday Celebrations. Last day to order your items is today, December 3rd. Pick up your purchases at Saint Nicholas on Dec 9th and Dec 10th. Online orders (credit card only) also available at https://www.stnicholasnj.org/dopfoodsale

 

 

 

Music CD for Christmas: Romeiko Ensemble “Christ Comes from Heaven” Nativity Orthros (Matins) in English Traditional Orthodox Christmas HYMNS ($15).

 

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

Although the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers guarded Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, giving life to the world. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, only Lover of Mankind!

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

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 First Tone © Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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    Archdiocese News

    Georgetown University's Berkley Center: Diplomacy, Geopolitics, and Global Orthodox Christianity with Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou

    11/28/2023

    https://www.goarch.org/-/georgetown-university-s%C2%A0berkley-center-diplomacy-geopolitics-and-global-orthodox-christianity-by-dr.-elizabeth-prodromou?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    This event will feature Elizabeth Prodromou, the author of a new policy brief commissioned by the Transatlantic Policy Network on Religion & Diplomacy (TPNRD). Berkley Center Senior Research Fellow and TPNRD Project Director Judd Birdsall will moderate the discussion.


    Exploring Innovative Teaching Approaches: 3rd Webinar Empowers Greek Language Educators

    11/28/2023

    https://www.goarch.org/-/exploring-innovative-teaching-approaches-3rd-webinar-empowers-greek-language-educators?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    In the ongoing commitment to enhance the proficiency of educators teaching the Greek Language, the Office of Education within the Holy Archdiocese of America is set to host its 3rd Webinar focused on Innovative Teaching Techniques and Teaching Forms. This insightful session will particularly emphasize the Greek Language and the revered Three Hierarchs.


    Sunday Sermon Series Fourteenth Sunday of Luke December 3

    11/28/2023

    https://www.goarch.org/-/sunday-sermon-series-fourteenth-sunday-of-luke-december-3-luke-18-35-43?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about a blind man who asked Jesus for mercy. What was the difference between his eyes and his heart? And how did the Lord respond? Also, how can we see spiritually?


    The 2024 Ecclesiastical Wall Calendar is Now Available on Orthodox Marketplace

    11/28/2023

    https://www.goarch.org/-/the-2024-ecclesiastical-wall-calendar-is-now-available-on-orthodox-marketplace?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Just in time for the new year! The Ecclesiastical Wall Calendar is an annual resource published by the Department of Communications of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Calendar features full-color icons, the names of Saints in Greek and English, a fasting guide, and daily Scripture readings with commemorations following the liturgical protocol of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Order while supplies last!


    "Philoxenia: Welcoming People with Disabilities" with Justin Heard

    11/28/2023

    https://www.goarch.org/-/-philoxenia-welcoming-people-with-disabilities-with-justin-heard?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Join the Center for Family Care’s webinar “Caregiver, Love Thyself: The Importance of Self-Care through the Holiday Season"

    11/27/2023

    https://www.goarch.org/-/join-the-center-for-family-care-s-webinar-caregiver-love-thyself-the-importance-of-self-care-through-the-holiday-season-?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    On Monday, December 4, 2023 at 1pm EST, join the Center for Family Care’s webinar “Caregiver, Love Thyself: The Importance of Self-Care through the Holiday Season.”


    Archdiocesan Christmas Open House

    11/27/2023

    https://www.goarch.org/-/archdiocesan-christmas-open-house?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    2024 Oratorical Festival Topic Tips & Resources Released by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

    11/27/2023

    https://www.goarch.org/-/2024-oratorical-festival-topic-tips-resources-released-by-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-of-america?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce the release of the 2024 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Topic Tips & Resources.


    Homily By Archbishop Elpidophoros of America On the Thirteenth Sunday of Saint Luke Saint Peter Greek Orthodox Church Bronx, New York

    11/26/2023

    https://www.goarch.org/-/homily-by-archbishop-elpidophoros-of-america-on-the-thirteenth-sunday-of-saint-luke-saint-peter-greek-orthodox-church-bronx-new-york?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    To stand with you today in prayer – especially in the aftermath of our National Feast of Thanksgiving – and to celebrate this Eucharist with you is a profound joy for me. For it is in the worship of the Church that we find our essential union with God and our unity with one another.


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