Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

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

At that time, Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, and 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 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."

News & Upcoming Events

Orthros: 9:00AM

Epistle: Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 (pg. 1304)

Divine Liturgy St. John Chrysostom: 10:00AM

Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21 (pg. 1152)

Acolytes: Justin Gikas, Lucas Shoshilos, Nick Seretis, Emmanuel Pittas, Alex Peppes, Paul Dobrow,

Alexi Argyros

Narthex: Liz Koykas, Melissa Gasparis,

John Psomas

Reader: Fotini Tanzer

Greeter: Tony Gasparis

Fellowship Hour: AHEPA

Ushers: Peggy Goulet, Paul Goulet,
Arthur Kominos, Nick Karras

Prosforon: The Alicakos Family

February 26, 2017 Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare Sunday)

Memorials: A 40 day memorial for William Alicakosbeloved husband of Hope, father of Elaine and her husband Robert and father-in-lawof Kathy. Grandfather of Max, Melanie, Michael, Colleen and Kellie.

A 40 day memorial for Haralambos Emporellis beloved husband to Anastasia, father of Androniki and Catherine.

May their memory be eternal.

Religious Education: Today, February 26^th we observe Forgiveness Sunday or the final day of Pre-Lent. The beginning of Great Lent or Clean Monday is Monday, February 27^th. We are reminded we should begin Lent with good intentions, a desire to clean our spiritual house and it is a day of strict fasting.

Looking ahead: Sunday, March 5^th we observe Sunday of Orthodoxy. This is the first Sunday of Great Lent and commemorates the victory of the Orthodox over the iconoclasts, who denounced the use of icons and destroyed them. The students will help celebrate this day with a procession in the church either with their own icons they brought from home, or icons they made themselves. Parents, be ready with your cameras!

Tray Collection: Today we are passing a tray to support our upcoming Lenten Lecture Series.

Philoptochos: Please join us during fellowship hour and enjoy the Cheesefare Sunday luncheon prepared for you by our wonderful Saint Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos. It is a wonderful way for our church family to start the Lenten season. Thank you Ladies!
Our cookbook "To Your Health" - which includes a collection of our Favorite Greek Family Recipes and a wonderful Lenten Section, will be available for purchase.

The Great Lent: Tomorrow on “Clean Monday” we enter into the Great Lent, a time of preparation through intensified 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. or go to www.goarch.org/multimedia/isos/supplementarymaterial/greatlent.pdf

The Great Compline service will be prayed tomorrow night at 7:00pm.

Lenten Services: This week the following services will be observed: Monday February 27 Great Compline 7pm; 1st Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Wednesday, March 1^st at 5:30pm; 1^st Salutation Service, Friday, March 3^rd at 7:00pm. Salutation to the Theotokos service books are available in the Narthex. They contain the Friday evening Salutation Service (Akathist Hymn) and are $12 per copy.

The Saint Nicholas Lenten Lecture Series Begins this Wednesday, March 1^st at 7:30p.m.

Topic: “Orthodox Christianity & Bioethics: Moral Considerations” by Dr. Chris Durante, Manhattan College. Each Wednesday evening at 7:30pm during Lent a topic on the Faith will be offered in the Fellowship Hall. Please join us early for the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at 5:30pm, a light Lenten meal at 6:40pm and the presentation (lecture) at 7:30p.m. Contact Fr Bill for more info at frbill@stnicholasnj.org

Sessions on Scripture: SOS meets this Wednesday, March 1^st at 2:00pm in the conference room. We will study Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians chapters 1-5. Contact Caroline Kalliotzis at ckalliotzis@aol.com or Fr. Bill at frbill@stnicholasnj.org for more info. The vibrant group has expanded as more of you have responded to the call to read study and learn the living Word. All are welcome!

Saturday of Souls: The last Saturday of Souls (before Pascha) will be observed this Saturday, March 4^th. Prayer forms are available at the pangari in the narthex. Submit your list of the Baptismal first names of the departed (do not use nick names) and their souls will be prayed for at the Saturday of Souls memorial service. Orthros will begin at 9:00am and Divine Liturgy at 10:00am.

Kali Parea (Seniors Fellowship): will meet on Tuesday, March 7^th at noon. Please bring your own lunch. Our speaker will be Detective Sgt. Joseph Soto who will talk about freud and scams. Coffee and deserts will be served. Membership dues for 2017 of $20 will be collected. Any questions call May Grammatikos at 201-236-2817.

Mortgage Burning Campaign: Participate in making Saint Nicholas debt free! Pledge your contribution towards our goal of debt freedom. See insert.

“Candle Money”! The Parish Council authorized a pilot program that will provide a tax deduction record for your candle donations. Thanks to a parishioner, booklets of different denominations have been printed. These are available for purchase at the office or narthex on Sundays. The candle money comes in a $2 booklet of 25 for a cost of $50; a $5 booklet of 10 for a cost of $50; a $10 booklet of 15 for a cost of $150 and a $20 booklet of 5 for a cost of $100. The candle money can only be used for candle donations. It is non-refundable, must be used for its full value and cannot be used in exchange for cash. We hope this will prove a convenience for all who make use of it.

Save the Date!! On Sunday, March 12^th, immediately following worship services, we will be hosting our annual Sights and Sounds Showcase. The GOYANs will be performing their dances, singing, and playing their instruments, showcasing their teamwork and talents, from the competition they participated in at the Sights and Sounds Event on March 4^th, 2017 in Westfield, NJ. Additionally, various art pieces and other ‘sight’ pieces will also be on display, all created by our wonderful GOYANs. We encourage all to attend this showcase, and support our wonderful and talented GOYANs! Don’t forget to bring your cameras!

GOYA Local Oratorical Festival: We will hold our local Oratorical Festival on Wednesday evening March 22^nd at 7:30pm (following the Lenten Meal and Pre sanctified Liturgy which begins at 5:30pm) participation in the Oratorical Festival is required of all GOYAns who wish to compete in the Metropolis of NJ Olympics this May. Contact Fr Bill at frbill@stnicholasnj.org

AHEPA Ramapo Chapter #453: The Ramapo AHEPA Chapter 453 Membership Drive will conclude thisSunday at the Fellowship Hall following the Divine Services. Stop at the AHEPA table to pick up membership forms and other promotional materials on the AHEPA Organization. For more information contact Paul Goulet Vice President of Ramapo Chapter #453 or email vicepresident@ahepa453.org

Saint Nicholas Charity Golf Classic: The 21^st Saint Nicholas Charity Golf Classic will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the Haworth Country Club in Haworth, NJ.

Parish Stewardship by the Numbers: Stewardship is composed of our personal offering of time, talent and treasure. Stewardship is not dues. Stewardship is based on Holy Scripture. Since time and talent offerings are more difficult to measure, one measurement of our response to God is our average “treasure” pledge per steward household. In 2016, we had 430 steward households that donated a total of $347,301 or 51% of our budgetary needs. To date in 2017, we have 207 steward households that have pledged a total of $201,810.

Saint Nicholas Benevolent Fund: In his Epistle, Saint James teaches that “faith without works is dead.” Giving alms (charity) is an act of faith through good works. Great Lent is an opportunity when we can assist a family or a person in need. Anyone can donate anonymously to the Saint Nicholas Benevolent Fund. Mail your donation check or drop it in the collection plate in our Narthex. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). God bless you always for your open heart! You have made a difference!

The Sharing and Caring Group: Our Saint Nicholas Sharing and Caring Group will meet this Thursday, March 2^nd at 3pm in the conference room. This ministry (service) is for those who have been widowed or divorced, or who have experienced loss in some way. The group is facilitated by Dr. Eva Pappas Krias, a widow herself, who is a practicing and licensed New York State Psychologist (40 years). Thoughts and feelings are shared as to dealing with loss, grief, loneliness, survivors’ guilt, and trauma associated with a declining spouse or a sudden death. Also, strategies for helping young children through death and most especially how life can go on after the loss of a loved one are explored. The group is non-judgmental, discrete, confidential and informal. Our facilitator, Dr. Krias, and the participants, maintain an atmosphere of emotional safety. Everyone’s thoughts and feelings are treated respectfully and without judgment. Come and see! There is no cost or obligation. We are open to all!

Saints and Feasts

February 26

Porphyrius, Bishop of Gaza

Saint Porphyrius had Thessalonica as his homeland. He became a monk in Scete of Egypt, where he lived for five years. He went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, after which he spent five years in much affliction in a cave near the Jordan. Stricken with a disease of the liver, he departed to Jerusalem, where he was ordained presbyter and appointed Keeper of the Cross at the age of 45. Three years later he was made Bishop of Gaza. He suffered much from the rulers and pagans of Gaza; but with the friendship of Saint John Chrysostom, and the patronage of the Empress Eudoxia, he razed the temple of the idol Marnas in Gaza and built a great church to the glory of God. He reposed in 450.

February 26

The Holy Great Martyr Photine, the Samaritan Women

Saint Photine was the Samaritan Woman who encountered Christ our Saviour at Jacob's Well (John 4:1-42). Afterwards she laboured in the spread of the Gospel in various places, and finally received the crown of martyrdom in Rome with her two sons and five sisters, during the persecutions under the Emperor Nero.

February 26

Holy Martyr Theocletus

February 26

John Claphas the new Martyr

February 26

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.

February 27

Procopius the Confessor of Decapolis

Saints Procopius and Basil, fellow ascetics, lived about the middle of the eighth century, during the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741), from whom they suffered many things for the sake of the veneration of the holy icons. They ended their lives in the ascetical discipline.

February 27

Raphael of Brooklyn

Saint Raphael Hawaweeny was born on November 8^th, 1860 A.D., in Damascus, Syria, to pious Christian parents. He studied Arabic grammar and mathematics at the Antiochian Patriarchate parochial school where he was tonsured a reader in 1874. His strong academics served him well throughout his life, providing for him numerous opportunities to succeed and grow. He accepted a position in 1877 as an assistant teacher of Arabic and Turkish, which became full time in 1879. In 1889 he was tonsured a monk while working with Patriarch Hierotheos at the patriarchate, traveling with him on pastoral visits and serving as his personal assistant.

Longing to continue his theological studies, Raphael petitioned the Patriarch for permission to study at Halki Theological School, which was the only option for students of the Antiochian Patriarchate as the Balamand Seminary in Lebanon had been closed since 1840. After much persistence, Raphael received the blessing of the Patriarch and enrolled in Halki Seminary where he was ordained a deacon in 1885. After completing his degree at Halki, the young Deacon Raphael studied at the Kiev Theological Academy, working as a liaison between the Moscow and Antiochian patriarchates. Deacon Raphael was ordained to the holy priesthood in 1889 while in Kiev, continuing to serve that community for many years.

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 led to the subsequent collapse of the silk industry in the Middle East, causing many Syrians and others to immigrate to the United States. These new citizens desired to have their religion present in their new homeland and sent letters to their mother churches for pastoral help. A few priests were sent, but none lasted, and so the people asked for Father Raphael Hawaweeny to come to America and serve. Both the Antiochian and Moscow Patriarchs agreed to this idea, and Father Raphael left for America where the people greeted him with great love. Father Raphael then spent many years serving the Syrians in Brooklyn, New York, but he desired to scan the continent for Syrians and other Orthodox Christians who were without spiritual leadership. He traveled by train and carriage across the nation, finding Orthodox Christians, recording their location, and performing liturgies, baptisms, and weddings. Upon his return to Brooklyn, Father Raphael worked to find clergy to send to these dispersed communities, giving them a full time pastor to minister to their needs.

In 1909, by the hands of Bishops Tikhon and Innocent of the Moscow Patriarchate, he was the first bishop consecrated in the New World. The now Bishop Raphael continued his ministry to the Christians throughout America. Bishop Raphael worked tirelessly in Brooklyn to mediate disputes between the Orthodox Christians from Syria and Maronite Catholic Christians who often fought violently with one another. Despite numerous outbursts and setbacks, Bishop Raphael continued his ministry serving the Orthodox throughout his vast diocese. One such incident was when an influential leader of the Maronite group was killed and many people accused Bishop Raphael of ordering his murder. This led to many people attempting to harm the bishop, but he endured it all willingly. He was arrested under attempted murder charges, but was eventually cleared and let go after much time and money was spent in his defense.

Throughout his time in North America, Bishop Raphael founded 36 parishes to bring the Church to the faithful who were without a priest to guide them. Bishop Raphael truly lived out Gospel in all aspects of his life, striving tirelessly for the people in his care, even to the point of sacrificing his own physical health in order to maintain the spiritual health of his people. Bishop Raphael died on February 27^th, 1915, at his home in Brooklyn. His funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including clergy from all ethnic backgrounds, illustrating his love for all of the people of God regardless of where they came from. The sacred relics of Saint Raphael, “the good shepherd of the lost sheep in North America,” were first interred in a crypt beneath the holy table at his Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn on March 7^th, 1915, before being moved to the Syrian section of Mount Olivet Cemetery in Brooklyn on April 2^nd, 1922. They were finally translated to the Holy Resurrection Cemetery at the Antiochian Village near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, on August 15^th, 1988. His sanctity was officially proclaimed by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America on March 29^th, 2000, and his glorification was celebrated on May 29^th of that year at the Monastery of Saint Tikhon in Pennsylvania.

February 27

Stephen the Monk

February 27

First Monday of Lent - Clean Monday

February 27

Nesios the Martyr

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.

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."

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Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

News & Upcoming Events

Saints and Feasts

Porphyrius, Bishop of Gaza

The Holy Great Martyr Photine, the Samaritan Women

Holy Martyr Theocletus

John Claphas the new Martyr

Forgiveness Sunday

Procopius the Confessor of Decapolis

Raphael of Brooklyn

Stephen the Monk

First Monday of Lent - Clean Monday

Nesios the Martyr

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode