New Catechumen
11/24/2024
New Catechumen: Today Father Thomas held a special “Making of the Catechumen” service for a soon-to-be-illumined member of our church. (A catechumen is someone who has the full intention of becoming Orthodox.) Lord willing, Matthew will join our church during the Vespers service for Saint Nicholas on Dec 5th. His first communion will be given on the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas Dec. 6th. His godfather is Bob Crank. Please keep them both in your prayers as they take this new journey together.
Communion
11/24/2024
Nov 24 No Catechism School
11/24/2024
General Assembly
11/24/2024
The Parish Council would like to invite everyone to attend our General Assembly on Sunday December 1st after the Divine Liturgy. We will discuss important items and nominate new Parish Council members, etc.
Welcome Our Newly-Illumined
11/24/2024
Welcome Our Newly-Illumined: Our St. Nicholas family has two brand-new members! Please be sure to welcome them and congratulate them with their godparents!
On Nov 10th Pavlos Aspras, son of George & Virginia Aspras, was baptized! His godfather is Billy Maragakis.
On Nov 23rd Theodore (John) Allsteadt, son of Matthew & Angie Allsteadt, was baptized! His godfather is David Hodis.
Congratulations!!! May God grant them many years!!!
Cancellations this week
11/24/2024
Cancellations this week: All Intro to Orthodoxy classes, Bible Studies, and Chant Practices are canceled this week due to Thanksgiving Break! We will resume the regular schedule next week. Saturday evening Vespers is also canceled due to the activities in San Antonio, TX.
Saint Nicholas Luncheon:
11/24/2024
As is tradition, the Parish Council will hold a Luncheon honoring our Patron Saint Nicholas on Sunday December 8 th . This is also an Appreciation Luncheon for our volunteers of the parish. The cherry on top is the Festives hosted by Father Thomas! You are not going to want to miss out on this celebration!
St. Nicholas Icon Blessing:
11/24/2024
St. Nicholas Icon Blessing: Do you want St. Nicholas to visit your house on Saturday Dec 7th? Send an email to Father Thomas: [email protected] and let him know so he can make the travel schedule.
Attention! Openings on the Parish Council
11/24/2024
Attention! Openings on the Parish Council: Several vacancies for our Parish Council are coming up. Terms start in January. During the General Assembly Dec 1 st names will be nominated for election. The following week, Dec 8th, a parish-wide vote will take place to fill those positions. Do you feel called to be a leader of our church? In order to be on the ballot for Parish Council and/or vote, you must be at least 18 years old and a “Member in Good Standing” according to our by-laws.
A Member in Good Standing is a person who is:
1 – An Orthodox Christian for at least one year
2 – A frequent Participator in Church services/sacraments
3 – A Yearly Financial Contributor to Saint Nicholas
Church Consecration
11/24/2024
Church Consecration in San Antonio, TX! Father Thomas will be celebrating the consecration of St. John Cassian Romanian Orthodox Church in San Antonio, TX on Sat. Nov. 30th. The beautiful Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Icon from Hawaii will also be out for veneration. All are welcome to attend!
Friday Nov 29
6:30 pm Vespers & Icon Veneration
8:00 pm Light Buffet Dinner
Saturday Nov 30
9:00 am Consecration of the Church
10:30 am Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
2:00 pm Lunch at Marriott Hotel (RSVP required- see their FB page for more info)
Nativity Fast
11/24/2024
Nativity Fast: The Orthodox Church enters into a period of fasting from Nov 15th until Christmas Day. This is a time when we collectively refrain from meat, dairy, fish, oil, and wine. (There are a few exceptions.) For those interested in knowing more and/or have specific questions about the fast, please see Father Thomas.
Let us remember what Saint John Chrysostom says, “he is mistaken who thinks that the fast consists only in abstinence from food. True fasting is departing from evil.”
St. Nicholas Bookstore
11/24/2024
Visit our bookstore located downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. We hope you find some treasures!
Online Calendar
11/24/2024
Please visit the Church Calendar on our website www.stnicholasgoc.net for the dates and times of all upcoming church services and events.
Sacred Alaska Movie
11/24/2024
Sacred Alaska Movie: Save the date! St. Nicholas has reserved an entire theater (100 seats) at Cinemark Century 16, located at 6685 South Padre Island, for a 5:15pm showing on Sunday Jan 12th. Tickets can be purchased from Presvytera Karen. Tickets are $10/person. Get your tickets before they are sold out! What is the movie about? “…an award-winning documentary that offers an intimate look into Native Alaskan culture and spirituality. It showcases the profound influence of Orthodoxy, introduced by Russian monks in the late 18th century, on Alaskan society. The film highlights the unique way Alaskans have woven their indigenous beliefs with Orthodox traditions, deeply influencing their worldview.” Find out more at www.sacredalaskafilm.com.
Coffee Hour Sign-up List
11/24/2024
Epistle Readers Needed!
11/24/2024
Epistle Readers Needed! St. Nicholas would like to invite our congregation to participate in the Epistle readings. We need both English and Greek readers! Are you or someone you know interested? Please contact Pres. Karen 361-533-8864.
Confession
11/24/2024
Visitors
11/24/2024
We welcome all visitors. Please introduce yourself to Fr. Thomas at the end of the service and if you are able, please stay for the Coffee Hour.
Forgot Your Tithe?
11/24/2024
Forgot your tithe? NO worries! You can use your phone. Just click the QR Code below and follow the link to PayPal. We are very grateful for your generousity!