Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-11-17
Bulletin Contents
WEEKLY SUNDAY BULLETIN
For you and your children
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Hymns of the Day
Ecumenical Patriarchate News
Saints and Feasts
Archdiocese News
Assembly of Bishops News

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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

[email protected] | 201 652 4774 ext. 12

Ms. Rula Thasites
Administrator

[email protected] | 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

WELCOME! If you are a visitor or a guest, 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! The call for Holy Communion (Eucharist) is the highest point of the Divine Liturgy. Please comply with the ushers’ instructions. Wait until ushers direct you out of the pews. “All things are done in proper order.” – St. Paul


Today is Stewardship Sunday! Jim & Brigid Nonas will share their testimony!
As Orthodox Christians, we affirm that every aspect of our lives is a gift from God. Stewardship calls on us, the faithful, to offer back to our Lord a portion of the gifts we have been blessed with. Our fulfilled stewardship(treasure) is the single largest source of funding for Saint Nicholas, and your offering enables our church to carry out Her mission to bring Christ and Orthodoxy into the lives and hearts of all we serve. Please consider the limitless generosity of our Lord as you make your 2025 pledge of time, talent & treasure.
We will collect your 2025 stewardship pledge cards at the conclusion of today’s Divine Liturgy.


If you forgot to bring your pledge card this morning, you can obtain one in the Narthex. You can also print a pledge card via our website: https://www.stnicholasnj.org
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2nd Corinthians 9:7)

TRAY COLLECTION: For the benefit our Ecumenical Patriarchate (The Phanar).

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN FELLOWSHIP HALL TODAY AFTER WORSHIP SERVICES. PLEASE SIGN IN- WE MUST HAVE A QUORUM!

 

40 DAY MOTHER AND INFANT BLESSING: Today we welcome into the church for the traditional motherhood and infant blessing, Nikola Theodore Zubac, the son of Josip and Christina (Georgotas).

 

SCRIPTURE TALK BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY: Scripture Talk is a virtual/remote 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 to participate.


SAINT IAKOVOS OF EVIA: Our Holy Metropolis of NJ will honoring the Feast day of our NEW Patron Saint Iakovos of Evia this Thursday evening November 21st at 6pm with Great Vespers at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 250 Gallows Hill Rd., Westfield, NJ. Reception afterwards. Those acolytes already tonsured by His Eminence Met. Apostolos are expected!

Next day, Friday, November 22nd, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy @ 9a.m. at the Chapel of the Metropolis of NJ 215 East Grove St. Westfield, NJ 908 301 0500. Everyone is invited!


PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF CHURCH ETIQUETTE: Our Orthodox worship services consist of reverent moments where your movement in the Nave will be suspended or minimized. At certain moments in the worship service, you may be asked by an Usher to wait to be seated. Patience is a valued virtue.

FASTING BEFORE CHRISTMAS? Yes... Fasting is an essential part of our spiritual preparation and edification. Yet, there are many different (and sometimes conflicting messages) regarding fasting. Please bear in mind: From November 15th through December 24th, Orthodox Christians observe a 40 day period of abstinence from animal & dairy products and olive oil. The ascetic discipline prepares us for a major feast- the Lord’s birth-Christmas. By controlling ourselves in what we eat, what we say, what we give to others (charity, stewardship, etc.) we prepare ourselves to receive the Lord. Without the discipline of the fast, the joyful experience of the feast is minimized. Fasting is never a punishment. Note that consumption of fish is permitted except for Wednesdays and Fridays through December 11th. From December 12th through Christmas Eve, the fast is stricter every day- fruits, nuts, vegetables, shell fish are allowed but no animal or dairy products of course, until Christmas Day. Do the best you can and remember that fasting/abstaining from sin is the greatest fast.

FOREFEAST AND FEAST DAY OF OUR PATRON 

SAINT NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER

HIERARCHICAL GREAT VESPERS: Thursday,December 5th @ 6pm

H.E. METROPOLITAN APOSTOLOS of NJ WILL PRESIDE

WITH AREA CLERGY PARTICPATING.

RECEPTION HOSTED BY OUR LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS WILL FOLLOW.


and on SAINT NICHOLAS DAY: Friday, December 6th:

Orthros @ 9:00am & Divine Liturgy @10:00am 

 

Sunday, December 8th: General Elections for Members of our Parish Council

 

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS: It's time for our annual Community Christmas Card! Join us today in making our annual Christmas card as successful this year as in years past. A minimum donation of $27 is requested. The deadline to reply is November 24th. Any questions, please contact Aggie Tsadilas at 201-310-6135 or by email at [email protected]

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE (DOP) NEWS: WREATH SALE: DOP is selling fresh balsam fir Christmas Wreaths until December 7th.These low-priced wreaths make great gifts, can be shipped anywhere in the US and will be delivered in time to decorate your home for the Christmas holiday. Please visit the website GiftitForward.com to place your order. Enter fundraising code: DOPAGANJ001
FOOD SALE: DOP is selling Kontos and Filosophy appetizers, entrees and desserts for your Christmas and New Year Holiday Celebrations. Order your items NOW through December 1st. Pick up your purchases at Saint Nicholas December 7th and December 8th. See our flyer for more details. Online orders (credit card only) also available at https://www.stnicholasnj.org/dopfoodsale.

 “Fear not, for I am with you.

Do not go astray, for I am your God who strengthens you;
and I will help and secure you with My righteous right hand,’

Isaiah 41:10 (OSB)

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For you and your children

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14

At that time, Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and He revealed Himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. .

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20.

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Gospel Reading

9th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 12:16-21

The Lord said this parable: "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." As he said these things, he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

I cannot be silent about the story of Hesychius the Horebite. He passed his life in complete negligence, without paying the least attention to his soul. Then he became extremely ill, and for an hour he left his body.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

And when he came to himself, he begged us all to leave him immediately. And he built up the door of his cell, and he stayed in it for twelve years without ever uttering a word to anyone, and without eating anything but bread and water.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

And, always remaining motionless, he was so wrapt in spirit in what he had seen in his ecstasy that he never changed his place but was always as if out of his mind, and silently shed hot tears.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

But when he was about to die, we broke open the door and went in, and after many questions this alone was all we heard from him: 'Forgive me! No one who has acquired the remembrance of death will ever be able to sin.'
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

We were amazed to see that one who had before been so negligent was so suddenly transfigured by this blessed change and transformation. We reverently buried him in the cemetery near the fort and after some days we looked for his holy relics, but did not find them.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

So by his true and praise-worthy repentance the Lord showed us that even after long negligence He accepts those who desire to amend. The remembrance of death and sins precedes weeping and mourning ... The remembrance of death is a daily death ...
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

The thought of death is the most necessary of all works ... He who hourly yields himself to it is a saint- insensibility of heart dulls the mind, and abundance of food dries the fountains of tears ...
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Gregory the Wonderworker in the Plagal Fourth Mode

By vigilance in prayer, and continuance in the working of wonders, thou didst acquire thine achievements as a surname; wherefore, intercede with Christ our God, O Father Gregory, to enlighten our souls, lest we sleep in sin unto death.

SAINT NICHOLAS ARCHBISHOP OF MYRA IN LYCIA in the First Mode

 

The truth of things has revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause, you have achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty.  O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.

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 Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Apolytikion for Gregory the Wonderworker in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone © Narthex Press
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    Saints and Feasts

    November 17

    Gregory the Wonderworker & Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

    Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea of Pontus to parents who were not Christians. He studied in Athens, in Alexandria, in Beirut, and finally for five years in Caesarea of Palestine under Origen, by whom he was also instructed in the Faith of Christ. Then, in the year 240, he became bishop of his own city, wherein he found only seventeen Christians. By the time the Saint reposed about the year 265, there were only seventeen unbelievers left there. Virtually the whole duration of his episcopacy was a time of continual, marvellous wonders worked by him. Because of this, he received the surname "Wonderworker"; even the enemies of the truth called him a second Moses (see Saint Basil the Great's On the Holy Spirit, ch. 29).

    November 17

    Gennadios I and Maximus, Patriarchs of Constantinople

    November 17

    Righteous Mother Hilda of Whitby

    Our righteous Mother Hilda was of noble birth, being a kinswoman of Saint Edwin, King of Northumbria (celebrated Oct. 12). At the age of thirty-three she renounced the world, and lived another thirty-three years as a nun and abbess. The last six years of her life she suffered a burning fever with patience and nobility, and reposed in peace in the year 680.

    November 18

    Plato the Great Martyr of Ancyra

    Saint Plato contested in martyrdom in 266, when Agrippinus was proconsul. He was from the city of Ancyra in the province of Galatia.

    November 18

    Holy Martyr Romanus

    Saint Romanus, who was from Antioch, lived during the reign of Maximian. He presented himself before Asclepiades the Eparch, and rebuked him, saying, "The idols are not gods; even a little child could tell you that." Then the Saint asked that a child be brought in from the market, that he might be the judge of the matter at hand. Therefore, when the child was asked, "Which God must we worship?" he replied, "Christ." The child was beaten mercilessly and beheaded at the command of the tyrant. As for Saint Romanus, his tongue was cut out, and then he was cast into prison, where he was strangled in the year 305.

    November 18

    Zaccheus the Deacon

    November 18

    Holy New Martyr Anastasius of Paramythia

    November 18

    Martyr Romanos the Deacon

    November 19

    Obadiah the Prophet

    The Divine Scriptures do not tell us with any certainty when the Prophet Obadiah lived nor what was his homeland. Thus, some say that he is that Obadiah who was Ahab's steward, who, because of Jezebel's wrath, hid one hundred prophets in a cave and fed them with bread and water (III Kings 18:4), and that he later became a disciple of Elias the Prophet about 903 B.C. But others surmise from the words of the same prophetical book that he is somewhat later than Joel (celebrated on Oct. 19). He is also called Obdiu, or Abdiu, or Obadiah; his name means "servant of God." His book of prophecy, which consists of only one chapter, is ranked fourth among the minor Prophets.

    November 21

    The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

    According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed to Joseph.

    November 23

    Afterfeast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple

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    Archdiocese News

    Archbishop Elpidophoros Urges Faithful to "Prove a Loving Neighbor" at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, Illinois

    11/11/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-elpidophoros-urges-faithful-to-prove-a-loving-neighbor-at-st.-john-the-baptist-greek-orthodox-church-in-des-plaines-illinois?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

    On the final day of his visit to Chicago, November 10, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over Orthros and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, Illinois.


    Archbishop Elpidophoros Celebrates 50th Anniversary of St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Palatine, Illinois

    11/10/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/nectarios-50?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

    After celebrating Great Vespers at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Palatine, Illinois the previous night, Saturday, November 9, 2024 began with Orthros and the Divine Liturgy in celebration of the parish's historic fiftieth anniversary.


    Rev. Fr. Chris Mihalopoulos Elevated to the Office of Economos during 50th Anniversary Vespers

    11/10/2024

    https://www.goarch.org/-/rev.-fr.-chris-mihalopoulos-elevated-to-the-office-of-economos?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

    On November 8, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America arrived in Chicago for the 50th anniversary of St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church. Last night His Eminence presided over Great Vespers at St. Nectarios, every pew of which was filled with parishioners.


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    Assembly of Bishops News

    Humanitarian Relief Sunday 2024

    10/29/2024

    https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2024/humanitarian-relief-sunday-2024
    There are many ways each of us can serve others in our community, whether by volunteering at local charitable organizations, offering our talents pro-bono to those in need, or by donating our treasures to help in moments of crisis, when our time and talent are unable to serve.
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