Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35

At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

"IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

News & Upcoming Events

Orthros: 9:00AM

Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3 (pg. 1359)

Divine Liturgy St. basil the great: 10:00AM

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12 (pg. 1181)

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

Narthex: Manny Toskos, Georgette Betts-Tsakalos, John Psomas

Ushers: Michael Kalliotzis, Ted Milyadis,
John Peters, Nick Pirsos

Reader: Jimmy Manoussakis

Greeter: Philoptochos

No Fellowship Hour

Prosforon: The Sclavounos Family

March 12, 2017 Sunday of SAINT GREGORY PALAMAS 2^nd Sunday of Great Lent

Memorials: A 40 day memorial for Aristotele (Aris) Sclavounos, beloved husband of Margo Sclavounos, father of Archie and Irene and her husband George Nikolaidis. Beloved grandfather of Aris, Spyros, Nicholas and Jesse. Beloved cousin and uncle to many dear family members.
A 10 year memorial for George Gavalakis, beloved husband of Penelope, father of Peter and his wife Patricia, Gregory and his wife Carla and Michael and his wife Nelly. Beloved grandfather of Kira, Evan, Chloe and Sophia.
May their memory be eternal.

Religious Education: Today, March 12^th, begins our Lenten season collection of monetary donations which we donate to the Orthodox Christian Missions Center (OCMC). Our Religious Education program will ‘match’ whatever amount our children bring in and donate for these mission charities. Please be generous during this Lenten period. We appreciate any and all donations! OCMC spreads Orthodoxy’s Gospel message around the globe!

GOYA: Sights and Sounds Showcase: Today, March 12^th, Our GOYAns will be performing their dances, singing and playing their instruments, showcasing their talents from the March 4^th competition in Westfield, NJ. Our luncheon showcase will take place immediately following worship services. Our Saint Nicholas GOYAns placed in all categories! Come hear and see them, as well as their ‘sight’ pieces which will also be on display for your viewing. Please join us and help support our wonderful and talented GOYAns! BRAVO Saint Nicholas GOYAns!

Tray Collection: TheGreek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey Ladies Philoptochos.

Lenten Services: This week the following services will be observed: Monday, March 13^th Great Compline 7pm; 3^rd Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Wednesday, March 15^th at 5:30pm; 3^rd Salutation Service, Friday, March 17^th 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 15^th at 7:30p.m.

Topic: “The Purpose Driven Church” by Fr. Basil C Gikas. 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 will NOT meet this week. We will resume at a date to be announced.

Parish Council: Will be meeting on Thursday, March 16^th at 7:30pm in the conference room.

Lenten Women’s Conference “SHARING OUR FAITH”: On March 18^th our Ladies Prayer Group invite ladies of all ages to step aside from your busy schedules for a few hours to join us as we focus solely on a time of sharing our faith and God’s blessings. Several members of our own community will tell their “stories” of God’s miracles in their lives. It will encourage and lift you up and provide a place where women of faith can find comfort, support and acceptance. Come prepared for a life changing event. It is not too late to register! Please see the enclosed flyer and spread the word!!

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

Daughters of Penelope: The AGAPE Chapter is holding our annual Tsoureki Sale! We will also be selling Red ‘Easter Egg’ Dye. Please support this fund-raiser … pre-paid orders will be accepted until Monday, April 3^rd (look for the flyer/order form set out during Fellowship Hour). The tsourekia and dye will be distributed during the Fellowship Hour after Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, April 9^th.

The Greek Independence Day Parade in NYC will take place on Sunday, March 26^th. Transportation will be provided. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tammy Spyropoulos (efstathiaspy@yahoo.com). Due to the generous monetary contribution of AHEPA and the Parish Council, we will be having a float in the parade this year

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 .

Vacation Church School: Save the Date: July 31- August 4, 2017 9am-12:30pm for children 8-12 years of age. More information will follow.

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 213 steward households that have pledged a total of $208,710.

Mortgage Burning Campaign: Participate in making Saint Nicholas debt free! Pledge your contribution towards our goal of debt freedom. Contact Nick Pirsos at pirsos@verizon.net

“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!

Saints and Feasts

March 12

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

March 12

Theophanes the Confessor

Saint Theophanes, who was born in 760, was the son of illustrious parents. Assenting to their demand, he married and became a member of the Emperor's ceremonial bodyguard. Later, with the consent of his wife, he forsook the world. Indeed, both of them embraced the monastic life, struggling in the monastic houses they themselves had established. He died on March 12, 815, on the island of Samothrace, whereto, because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he had been exiled by Leo the Armenian, the Iconoclast Emperor.

March 12

Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.

March 12

Gregory Dialogos, Bishop of Rome

Saint Gregory was born in Rome to noble and wealthy parents about the year 540. While the Saint was still young, his father died. However, his mother, Sylvia, saw to it that her child received a good education in both secular and spiritual learning. He became Prefect of Rome and sought to please God even while in the world; later, he took up the monastic life; afterwards he was appointed Archdeacon of Rome, then, in 579, apocrisiarius (representative or Papal legate) to Constantinople, where he lived for nearly seven years. He returned to Rome in 585 and was elected Pope in 590. He is renowned especially for his writings and great almsgiving, and also because, on his initiative, missionary work began among the Anglo-Saxon people. It is also from him that Gregorian Chant takes its name; the chanting he had heard at Constantinople had deeply impressed him, and he imported many elements of it into the ecclesiastical chant of Rome. He served as Bishop of that city from 590 to 604.

March 12

Phineas, grandson of Prophet Aaron

March 12

Paul Aurelian, Bishop of Brittany

March 13

Removal of the relics of Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople

The main feast day of this Saint is June 2. The translation of his holy relics took place in 846, when Saint Methodius (see June 14) was Ecumenical Patriarch.

March 13

Pouplios the Martyr, Bishop of Athens

March 13

Christina the Martyr of Persia

March 13

3rd Monday of Lent

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

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:

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

News & Upcoming Events

Saints and Feasts

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

Theophanes the Confessor

Symeon the New Theologian

Gregory Dialogos, Bishop of Rome

Phineas, grandson of Prophet Aaron

Paul Aurelian, Bishop of Brittany

Removal of the relics of Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople

Pouplios the Martyr, Bishop of Athens

Christina the Martyr of Persia

3rd Monday of Lent

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode