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Orthros: 9:00AM
Epistle: Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40 (pg. 1367)
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Divine Liturgy St. Basil the great : 10:00AM
Gospel: John 1:43-51 (pg. 1237)
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Acolytes: Demitri Phili, Niko Konstantellis, Aidan Gnospelius, Andrew Skoufis, Paul Nonas, Kirk Simeonidis, Vassili Salvemini, Luke Gnospelius
Narthex: Jon Zymaris, Nick Pirsos, Nick Karras
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Greeter & Reader: GOYA
Fellowship Hour: AHEPA
Ushers: Angelo Lefer, Nick Tselepis, John Psomas, Steve Limperopoulos
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March 5, 2017 Sunday of Orthodoxy The 1st Sunday of Great Lent
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Sunday of Orthodoxy: Today, the First Sunday of Great Lent is the Sunday of Orthodoxy, where we commemorate the restoration of the icons in the Church. In 726 A.D. the Iconoclastic controversy began opposing the usage and depiction of images in church. Finally in 843A.D. the Church decreed icons as holy images for veneration, not worship. Thus, today is also commemorated as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy and the Restoration of the Icons.” We pray with our religious educators and students during the icon procession that we too may become holy images through our relationship with our Lord, practice of our faith, doing good works and yielding to God’s plan.
Religious Education: Today we observe the Sunday of Orthodoxy, or Icon Sunday. The students have either brought their own icons in from home, or have prepared one in their classrooms. The children will process carrying their icons into church. Be ready with your cameras!
Next Sunday, March 12th, Religious Education begins its Lenten season collection of non-perishable foods to benefit the Orthodox Christian Missions Center (OCMC). We appreciate any and all donations!
Tray Collection: Today we are passing a tray to support the 2017 Lenten Lecture Series.
Philoptochos: 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.
Lenten Services: This week the following services will be observed: Monday, March 6th Great Compline 7pm; 2nd Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Wednesday, March 8th at 5:30pm; 2nd Salutation Service, Friday, March 10th 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 Continuous this Wednesday, March 8th at 7:30p.m.
Topic: “The Role of the Laity” by Dr. Despina Prassas, Providence 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 6:45pm 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 8th at 2:00pm in the conference room. We will complete our study Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians chapters 1-6. 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!
Kali Parea (Seniors Fellowship): will meet this Tuesday, March 7th at noon. Please bring your own Lenten 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.
Save the Date!! On Sunday, March 12th, immediately following worship services, we will be hosting our annual Sights and Sounds Showcase. Our 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 4th, 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 22nd 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
The Greek Independence Day Parade in NYC will take place on Sunday, March 26th. Transportation will be provided. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tammy Spyropoulos (efstathiaspy@yahoo.com).
The Essential Sacrament of Holy Confession
Fr. Bill will be hearing PRIVATE confessions during the Lenten period. Please make your appointment by contacting him directly and in strict confidence at 201 652 4774 ext. 12 or frbill@stnicholasnj.org. To learn more about the sacrament of confession, go to www.goarch.org/confession .
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 210 steward households that have pledged a total of $203,210.
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 5 for a cost of $50 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.
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!