For a Child is Born to us, and a son is given to us and the government is upon His shoulders; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace. His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace: He shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom; to establish it and strengthen it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth and forever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7(OSB)
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!
2024 Ecclesiastical Calendars are available for pick up in the Narthex and bookstore.
Religious Education: No religious education classes today.
Office Closed: The parish office will be closed tomorrow, Monday, December 25th in observance of Christmas
Later tonight: Great Vespers at 6p.m. (no Holy Communion); followed by Christmas Caroling in church & Annual Egg Nog reception hosted by our Young Emerging Adults(YEA) in the fellowship hall
December 25: Tomorrow, Christmas Day: Orthros 9AM followed by Divine Liturgy beginning at 10a.m.
December 27 Tuesday: Saint Stephen the Protomartyr: Orthros 9AM followed by Divine Liturgy beginning at 10a.m.
Stocking Stuffer Gifts: Music CD BY Romeiko Ensemble “Christ Comes from Heaven” Nativity Orthros
(Matins) in English Traditional Orthodox Christmas HYMNS ($15).
Christmas Ornament:Saint Nicholas Church Christmas Ornament $15 (from our 50th Anniversary Gala).
Daughters of Penelope: The AGAPE Chapter is holding its annual Vasilopita Sale! Pre-paid orders will be accepted until Saturday, December 23rd (look for the flyer/order form set out during Fellowship Hour). The Vasilopites will be ready for pick-up in the Saint Nicholas Rotunda on Friday, December 29th (3:00pm – 6:00pm). Contact Brigid brigidmahon@yahoo.com with any questions.
Scripture Talk: Join us… for a 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 INFO AT CEA.NJ9@GMAIL.COM
The Orthodox Nativity Season: Tomorrow, Christmas Day, the service commemorates the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, the adoration of the Shepherds, and the arrival of the Wise Men with their gifts. The days following Christmas are associated with the Theotokos and Joseph. December 26th is the Synaxis of the Mother of God, and the first Sunday after the Feast commemorates “Joseph the Betrothed.” December 29th commemorates the Massacre of the holy Innocents, and January 1st the Circumcision of our Lord. The Nativity season concludes on December 31st, but the spirit of the festival extends to the celebration of Theophany (Epiphany), the feast commemorating the Baptism of our Lord in the Jordan River on January 6th.
Holiday Services
Monday, January 1st: New Year’s Day- The Circumcision of the Lord;
Feast of Saint Basil The Great
Orthros 9:00a.m. Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil 10:00a.m.
Friday, January 5th: Eve of Theophany (Strict Fasting Day)
9am Orthros; Royal Hours; 10am Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil; Agiasmos (Blessing of the Waters)
Saturday, January 6th: Holy Theophany: The Baptism of the Lord
9am Orthros and 10am Divine Liturgy of Saint basil, Agiasmos (Blessing of the Waters)
Sunday, January 7th: Synaxis of Saint John the Baptist
9am Orthros and 10am Divine Liturgy
House/ Business Blessings 2024: To have your home and/or business blessed for 2024, please complete a blue request form and insert in the drop box in the narthex or mail it to the parish office or send your request to Fr. Bill frbill@stnicholasnj.org or call 201 652 4774 ext. 12
2024 Stewardship Campaign:God calls on us to cheerfully offer our time, talent, and treasure to our Lord in appreciation for the gifts He has blessed us with. Our annual stewardship program provides the majority of funding for Saint Nicholas, and your offering enables our church to carry out Her mission to bring Christ and Orthodoxy into the lives and hearts of all we serve.
To obtain your 2024 stewardship pledge card, just pick one up one in the church Narthex. Additionally, you can make your pledge online by going to our church website https://www.stnicholasnj.org
CHRIST IS BORN!
GLORIFY HIM!