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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-03-17
Bulletin Contents
Weekly Sunday Bulletin
Gospel and Epistle Readings
upcoming events
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Archdiocese News
Wisdom of the Fathers
Assembly of Bishops News
Eden
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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


Weekly Sunday Bulletin

Forgiveness (Cheesefare) Sunday

At the onset of Great Lent and a period of intense fasting, this Sunday reminds us of our need for God’s forgiveness and guides our hearts, minds, and spiritual efforts on returning to Him in repentance.
To read more visit: https://www.goarch.org/cheesefare

 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!

Memorial & Trisagion: A 40 day memorial for Charles James Karcanes, beloved husband of Bettee, loving father of Alecia and David. Adored grandfather of Caitlin, Austin, Noah and Isabella. Beloved brother of Susan and dear uncle to Stephanie Plakoudas and Jason Fink.

A 2 year memorial for Christina Kapas beloved daughter of Catherine and the late John Kapas; devoted mother of Marco and Alex De La Cruz. Beloved sister of Jim and Bill Kapas and dear aunt of Emilia and Christopher Kapas.
Eternal be their memory. 
Fellowship is sponsored by the family and the Karcanes-Fink and Kapas families.  

Religious Education: Religious Education students are expected to sit in the first 3 rows (reserved for them on pulpit side as you face the altar) for the children’s message. Your cooperation yields formation! :)

      

Tray Collection for MISSIONS: for Project Mexico and O.C.M.C.

 

Parish Council: Oath of Office today for parish council 2024.  The elected members are Evans Agrapidis, Anton Ayvas, George Bayiokos, Angelo Lefer, Dean Mellas, Mary Boulos-Meyer, Charlie Pflager, Nick Pirsos, John Psomas, Bill Raczko, Paul Savidis, Menelaos Toskos, John Tsadilas, Kathy Van Dine, and Jon Zymaris.

The first Parish Council meeting of 2024 will be held this Thursday, March 21st at 7:30pm. 

 

Philoptochos News: Please join us today for Cheesefare Sunday. Philoptochos will be serving a lite lunch of pitas, salad and dessert in the fellowship hall.

 “Clean Monday” (Kathara Deftera): Tomorrow, “Clean Monday,” we commence the Great Lent, a time of preparation & transformation through self-denial, fasting, prayer and good works. In the early Church, the main purpose of the Great Lent was to prepare the ‘catechumen’, that is to say, the “about to be” Christian or person under instruction, for baptism, which at that time was performed during the Paschal liturgy.  But even when the Church no longer baptized adults and the institution of the catechumenate disappeared, the basic meaning of Lent remained the same.  For even though we are baptized, what we constantly lose and betray is precisely that which we received at baptism- the Grace of God through water, the Holy Spirit, Holy Chrism and Holy Communion.  Therefore, Pascha (Easter) is our return every year to our own baptism (death and rebirth), whereas Lent is our preparation for that return – the slow, steady and sustained effort to attain our own ‘passage’, ‘Passover’, or ‘pascha’ into the new life in Christ.  Each year the Lenten and Paschal periods are journeys of repentance, return and rediscovery of our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are created in His image & likeness and are to be persons that are Christ like. This process of becoming more Christ like involves growing through spiritual exercise (asceticism). Contact Fr. Bill to learn more at frbill@stnicholasnj.org.  .

Scripture Talk Bible Study Ministry: Scripture Talk is a virtual Bible study with a different Orthodox priest participating in the weekly discussion. Held every Tuesday, 7-8pm EST, on Zoom. Currently discussing the Gospel of Matthew. Visit www.ScriptureUnveiled.com for the Zoom meeting information. All who seek are welcome, no commitment needed, and participants are free to simply listen or participate. Contact Christos Agrapidis for more information, 201-213-6959.

Lenten Services: This week’s services: 1st Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Wednesday, March 20th at 5:30pm; 1st Salutation Service, Friday, March 22nd at 7:00pm.  Salutation to the Theotokos service books are available in the Narthex. Books contain the Friday evening Salutation Service (Akathist Hymn) and are $12 per copy.

 

The Saint Nicholas 2024 Lenten Lecture Series Begins this Wednesday, March 20th at 7:30p.m.   Scott Davenport, will speak with us via Zoom remote.  (See flyer insert)   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  This event is sponsored by our Daughters of Penelope!

Saturday of Souls: The third Saturday of Souls will be observed on March 23rd withOrthros at 9:00 a.m. followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:00am. Prayer forms are available at the pangari in the narthex. We pray for the departed because we love them, they are part of the Body of Christ and we ask for divine intercession for their souls.

Our Local Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be held here on Sunday, March 24th, at 2:30pm.  All youth ages 12-18 who are in grades 7-12 are expected to participate. Participation in the annual oratorical festival is required for all GOYAns who wish to compete in the Annual Metropolis of NJ GOYA Olympics this May!  Registration is closed- deadline has passed.  For info: Dr. Eliana Antoniou at antonioue@wpunj.edu       

 

Greek Parade: Our Community will be marching in the Annual Greek Independence Day Parade in NYC on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Greek School, Religious Education, GOYA and our other ministries& organizations are encouraged to march and represent our parish. There will be a free bus leaving from the church immediately following Divine Liturgy to take us there and back. Please email Tammy Spyropoulos efstathiaspy@yahoo.com  to RSVP for your seat on the bus and for more information.

 

Ramapo AHEPA Chapter 453 Scholarship Applications:   Our local AHEPA Chapter, our AHEPA District, and AHEPA National (including Journey to Greece) are inviting all eligible high school seniors and/or college students to apply for a scholarship.  Applications are available online at: http://ahepa453.org (click on education/scholarship).  Deadlines: March 31st or April 30th.

AHEPA: Save the Date: 21st Annual Cigar Extravaganza sponsored by AHEPA Ramapo Chapter #453 will be held on Wednesday night, May 22, 2024 at Seasons Catering in Washington Township, NJ. 

2024 Stewardship Campaign:God loves a cheerful giver! To recognize the love of God in everything brings us joy.  Every breath we draw is a gift of His Love; every moment of existence is from His Grace, for Grace brings blessings from our Lord.

Our stewardship offerings provide the majority of funding for Saint Nicholas. To-date, 193 households have made  2024 stewardship pledges.  Please join your fellow St. Nicholas stewards by completing & submitting your 2024 pledge card.  Come visit us in the Narthex for your card, or make your pledge online on our church website https://www.stnicholasnj.org

 

Ionian Village (IV) offers 3 SUMMER programs in Greece, for high school students and young adults. REGISTRATION is OPEN! REGISTER AT WWW.IONIANVILLAGE.ORG. Need-based scholarships may be offered by contacting the IV office. Spots are limited and are offered on a first-come first-served basis. The dates for each session are as follows:

IV Next: June 6 - June 17 is for Young Adults who have completed one year of college or vocational school until 25 years of age

IV Session One: June 25 - July 14 for GOYA /Students who are currently in grades 9 – 12

IV Session Two: July 23 - August 11 for GOYA/Students who are currently in grades 9 – 12

For information about IV programs, visit www.ionianvillage.org, or go to the Frequently Asked Questions page at www.ionianvillage.org/faq. IV is fantastic and endorsed by Fr. Bill!

 

Center for Food Action Always Needs: Supermarket Gift Cards, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Mac & Cheese, Canned Meat, Tuna & Beans, White & Brown Rice, Pasta & Spaghetti Sauce, Hearty Soups/Low Sodium Soups, Canned Fruit & Vegetables, Low Sugar Cereal, 100% Juice, Diapers-sizes 2, 3, & 4, Infant Formula & Baby Food, Ensure or Similar Nutritional Drink, Dental Hygiene Products. A collection basket is placed under the community bulletin board. Thank you for your support!

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

Gospel Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

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upcoming events

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Saints and Feasts

Eden
March 17

Forgiveness Sunday

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.

Alexismanofgod
March 17

Alexis the Man of God

Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglais, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose.

Allsaint
March 17

Paul the Righteous Martyr

Allsaint
March 17

Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland

Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.

Allsaint
March 17

Theocteristos the Confessor

Allsaint
March 17

Marinos the Martyr

Allsaint
March 18

First Monday of Lent - Clean Monday

Allsaint
March 18

Cyril, Patriarch of Jerusalem

This Saint was born in 315, and succeeded Maximus as Archbishop of Jerusalem in 350. He was zealous for the Orthodox Faith, and was a defender of the poor. He was exiled three times by the Arian Emperors Constantius and Valens. But after their death, he was recalled to his throne; he reposed in peace in 386. Of his writings, the most prominent are his catechetical lectures, which are considered the most ancient systematic summary of Christian teaching. Before Saint Cyril, there had been two dioceses, one of Jerusalem, and one of Holy Sion; under Saint Cyril, they were united into one bishopric. See also May 7.

Allsaint
March 18

Edward the Martyr, King of England

Allsaint
March 18

Trophimos & Eukarpion, Monk-martyrs of Nicomedea

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode

O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen."

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 Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone © Narthex Press
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    Archdiocese News

    Holy Eparchial Synod - Communique - March 15, 2024

    03/15/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/holy-eparchial-synod-communique-march-15-2024?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    of the Holy Eparchial Synod meeting at Saint Mark the Evangelist in Boca Raton, Florida, in the Metropolis of Atlanta, to discuss current issues concerning the life of the Church.


    IOCC Spiritual Reflections and Fasting Recipes in Preparation for Great Lent

    03/15/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/iocc-spiritual-reflections-and-fasting-recipes-in-preparation-for-great-lent?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Parish Highlight: St. Spyridon Cathedral Worcester, MA

    03/15/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/parish-highlight-st.-spyridon-cathedral-worcester-ma?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    The community was officially established on October 15, 1914 through a constitution enacted at a meeting hall located at 9 Bartlett Street in Worcester. For the first years Beaver Hall at 69 Grafton Street was used for Church services with meetings held at 9 Bartlett Street, later at 126 Green Street, and still later at the AOH Hall on Trumbull Street.


    2024 Metropolis of Boston Scholarship Program

    03/14/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/2024-metropolis-of-boston-scholarship-program?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston is pleased to offer 2024-2025 academic year scholarshipopportunities for U.S. and Canadian students of Greekdescent entering their second, third, or fourth year of undergraduate studies. The annual scholarships are provided by endowments generously gifted by the Charles C. Condes Trust of Illinois (four scholarships) and the St. George’s Hellenic Benefit Society of Tsamantas of Worcester, MA (one scholarship).


    Saint John Chrysostom Clergy Syndesmos of the Archdiocesan District Convened at the Church of Kimisis of the Theotokos Southampton, New York

    03/14/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/saint-john-chrysostom-clergy-syndesmos-of-the-archdiocesan-district-convened-at-the-church-of-kimisis-of-the-theotokos-southampton-new-york?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Archbishop Elpidophoros Welcomes the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Girl Delegates to the United Nations to Archdiocese Headquarters

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-elpidophoros-welcomes-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese-national-girl-delegates-to-the-united-nations-to-archdiocese-headquarters?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Today, Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Girl Delegates to the United Nations were welcomed to Archdiocese Headquarters by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.  


    Bishop Ierotheos of Eukarpia Falls Asleep in the Lord

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/bishop-ierotheos-of-eukarpia-falls-asleep-in-the-lord?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, accompanied by the chancellor of the Archdiocese, V. Rev. Archimandrite Nektarios Papazafiropoulos, made a pilgrimage to the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou to offer memorial prayers for the repose of the soul of its late Abbot, Bishop Ierotheos of Eukarpia, who fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, March 11, 2024.


    WELCOMING REMARKS By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America At the Meeting with GOA Girl Delegates during CSW68

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/welcoming-remarks-by-his-eminence-archbishop-elpidophoros-of-america-at-the-meeting-with-goa-girl-delegates-during-csw68?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Dear sisters in the Lord,

    I am so happy to welcome all of you here at our National Headquarters today so that I can personally tell you how very pleased I am to meet you – our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Girl Delegates to the UN, for the first time as an official program.

    This program was started as a pilot program by Niki Devaris with the support and guidance of Rev. Nicolas Kazarian at the Ecumenical Department, two years ago with six self-funded participants from the Archdiocesan District, during the 66th Annual Commission on the Status of Women. This year, thanks to generous funding from a Leadership 100 Grant, we have been able to launch the National Program which has grown to twenty-four delegates from all over the United States, including California, Texas, Utah, Michigan, Florida, and Colorado, to name a few.


    The Maliotis Cultural Center and the Anatoliama Inc. Present The Soul of Epirus

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/the-maliotis-cultural-center-and-the-anatoliama-inc.-present-the-soul-of-epirus?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    The Maliotis Cultural Center and Anatoliama are honored to invite living legend of Greek traditional music Petroloukas Halkias for an upcoming concert on Friday May 10th, 7:00 PM at the Maliotis Cultural Center. Featuring: the New England Greek Orchestra, the St. Romanos the Melodist Byzantine Choir, Aimilia Chalkia vocals, Vasillis Kostas laouto, George Lernis on percussion and special guest Beth Bahia Cohen on violin.


    The Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art and Culture Recycled Cities: Sardis and the Fortifications of Early Byzantine Anatolia

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/the-mary-jaharis-center-for-byzantine-art-and-culture-recycled-cities-sardis-and-the-fortifications-of-early-byzantine-anatolia?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    The largest standing architecture at the ruined city of Sardis is not its famous Temple of Artemis, the fourth largest Ionic temple of antiquity, but is instead the massive but little-published fortification that sits on its Acropolis.


    AHEPA Educational Foundation Announces Newly Established Scholarship

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/ahepa-educational-foundation-announces-newly-established-sscholarship?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Washington—George Vorkas, Chairman of the AHEPA Educational Foundation announced today that the Foundation has agreed to establish the Zavaras-Angelidou Scholarship for Greek Studies.


    PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT: An IOCC Frontliner Reflects

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/program-highlight-an-iocc-frontliner-reflects?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Our US program focuses on disaster prep, response, and recovery, and we've done a lot the last few years to help communities impacted by hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Frontliner Fr. Stephen Mathewes recently shared his experience following an IOCC training in Florida, where participants also had a chance to help rebuild post Hurricane Ian.


    Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp Staff Applications

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/metropolis-of-san-francisco-summer-camp-staff-applications?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Apply to join us for another year of our exceptional Metropolis Summer Camp ministry for youth and young adults across the Metropolis and Archdiocese. We are looking for staff of all ages, from 19 to 35 years old. We love to have college students, teachers, grad students, young professionals, and more!


    Sunday Sermon Series Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare Sunday) March 17

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/sunday-sermon-series-forgiveness-sunday-cheesefare-sunday-march-17?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Registration Is Now Open to "UNIFY" Young Adults at the 2024 National YAL Conference in San Diego, CA

    03/13/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/registration-is-now-open-to-unify-young-adults-at-the-2024-national-yal-conference-in-san-diego-ca-1?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Metropolis of Pittsburgh Weekend of Service

    03/12/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/metropolis-of-pittsburgh-weekend-of-service?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Along with the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Ladies Philoptochos Society want to encourage all our parishes to participate in this year's annual weekend of service.


    St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Parish Spotlights

    03/12/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/st.-john-chrysostom-oratorical-festival-parish-spotlights?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Women's History Month Highlight: Leah Kats, Administrator at the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation & Administrator at the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

    03/12/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/women-s-history-month-highlight-leah-kats-administrator-at-the-ecumenical-patriarch-bartholomew-foundation-administrator-at-the-order-of-saint-andrew-the-apostle-archons-of-the-ecumenical-patriarchate?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week, we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


    Women's History Month Highlight: Hannah Williams, Operations Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Director of the Department of Religious Education at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

    03/12/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/women-s-history-month-highlight-hannah-williams-operations-coordinator-and-executive-assistant-to-the-director-of-the-department-of-religious-education-at-the-greek-orthodox-archdiocese?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This second week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


    Did You Know? Department of Religious Education (DRE) CHEESEFARE WEEK March 11

    03/12/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/did-you-know-department-of-religious-education-dre-cheesefare-week-march-11?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

    Did you know that Cheesefare Week is the third week of the Triodion and the final week of preparation before Great Lent?


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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.
    St. Isaac of Syria
    Unknown, 7th century

    Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.
    St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
    Unknown, 18th century

    Here it were well to sigh aloud, and to wail bitterly: for not only do we imitate the hypocrites, but we have even surpassed them.
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 20 on Matthew 6, 4th Century

    The basis of all good things is the liberation of the soul from the captivity of the enemy. The light and life that accompany this freedom is attained by settling steadfastly in a single place and always fasting. That is, by regulating your life wisely and prudently, practicing restraint of the flesh, and remaining in a quiet place. He who puts these two rules into practice will eventually attain all the virtues.
    Abba Isaac

    The value of fasting consists not in abstinence only from food, but in a relinquishment of sinful practices, since he who limits his fasting only to an abstinence from meat is he who especially disparages it. The change in our way of life during these blessed days will help us to gain holiness. Therefore we should let our soul rejoice during the fast.
    St. John Chrysostom
    Fourth Century

    Before we enter the Lenten fast, we are reminded that there can be no true fast, no genuine repentance, no reconciliation with God, unless we are at the same time reconciled with one another. A fast without mutual love is the fast of demons. . . We do not travel the road of Lent as isolated individuals but as members of a family.
    His Grace Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia
    20th Century

    One must not trust one's feelings, since because of his limitedness a man cannot know everything, and therefore his judgment is also relatively limited. "Even if you see with your own eyes that someone sins, do not judge, for the eyes also may be deceived."
    St. John Climacus

    . . .humble men like this are not men who have been converted, who have repented. They are men who are being converted, who are repenting. The Lord's call to repentance does not mean that we are to be converted once only, nor that we should repent from time to time (though one ought to begin with that). It means that our whole life should be a conversion, a constant repentance.
    Archimandrite Vasileios
    Hymn of Entry, 20th Century

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    Assembly of Bishops News

    Mission Sunday 2024

    02/26/2024

    https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2024/mission-sunday-2024

    ANNOUNCEMENT: The North American Orthodox-Catholic Consultation Addresses Commonalities in their Respective Traditions on the Sacredness of Christian Marriage

    02/29/2024

    https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2024/ocdialogue-statement-annoucement-2024
    Christians from the Orthodox and Catholic Churches in the United States and Canada have engaged in dialogue for more than a half-century. Most recently, the representatives from the two faith traditions, announced the publication of new agreed statement on marriage, The Pastoral Care of Mixed Marriages: Neither Yours nor Mine – but Ours.

    The Pastoral Care of Mixed Marriages: Neither Yours nor Mine—but Ours

    02/29/2024

    https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2024/ocdialogue-2024-marraige
    While commonalities exist between the two faith traditions, the Theological Consultation acknowledged that estrangement can often be seen when a Catholic and an Orthodox Christian enter into marriage. Instead of dividing the parties in a mixed marriage into “yours” and “mine,” the Consultation proposed that the parties begin with a joint solicitude for the spouses and embark on the pastoral care of each mixed marriage as “our” concern.
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