Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-04-09
Bulletin Contents

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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






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

 

PALM SUNDAY 

April 9, 2023

To join our Flocknote texting service just text stnickgoc to 84576

 

Visit the YouTube channel to watch our services live stream 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiyrX2_dz91YDO25QDmEk9Q

 

You may donate and light a virtual candle: www.stnicholasnj.org

 

Participate In  Our Saint Nicholas Programs & Ministries !

 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: This is the primary place where our children learn the richness of our faith in Jesus Christ and the traditions of the Orthodox Church. Classes are offered to children from Pre-school-12th grade. To register your child, to volunteer as a teacher, or for additional information contact Demi Thomas at [email protected]

 

HOPE & JOY: Hellenic Orthodox Primary Education (ages 4-7) and Junior Orthodox Youth (ages 8-11) are ministries that offer children and their parents an opportunity for instruction and fellowship. These programs are stepping stones to GOYA that foster friendships and participation within our community. For more information, contact Dee Bouloukos at [email protected]

 

VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL (VCS 2023- June 26-30 9am – 12:30pm): Come join our week long Vacation Church School.  We will explore our faith through games, crafts, and other activities. The program is for children ages 5-11. The cost is $50 per camper and our  theme is  “Our Superhero Saints!”  If you are interested in volunteering or would like to attend, contact  [email protected] or Tina Mouikis at [email protected]

 

GREEK SCHOOL: Modern Greek Language classes meet every Friday afternoon from 4:15-6:30pm for children K-6th grade. The program gives students the benefit of learning Greek language, culture, and history while building lifelong friendships. Registration for the 2023-2024 school year begins in June. To enroll a child, please contact Angela Bachardy at 917-751-9712 [email protected]  

 

ACOLYTES: Come serve the Lord in His Holy Altar and help lead worship services. Join our team of  boys, ages 9+ and assist Fr. Bill in the liturgical services. Serving as an acolyte allows you to learn more about Orthodoxy as well as build a closer relationship with God. All baptized males ages 9 and over are welcome to serve! To learn more, contact Carolyn Symeonides at [email protected]  or ask Fr. Bill.

 

GREEK DANCE: The Greek Dance Program’s mission is to promote Christian fellowship through teamwork and unity. Dance groups are for children (5-11) and GOYAns (12-18). Practices are on Wednesday evenings. For more information, contact Sophia Papson at [email protected] or Maria Lleonart at  [email protected]

 

GOYA: Greek Orthodox Youth of America is our teen ministry open to those in grades 7-12 and ages 12-18. GOYAns participate in various volunteer works, dances, and sporting events. The ministry is available to any Orthodox Christian young person who is willing to participate in fellowship and service, and have fun!! For more info. please contact, Maria Gousousis [email protected]   

 

YOUNG EMERGING ADULTS (YEA): YEA is a fellowship for those 18-35years of age. If you are interested in joining, please contact Fr. Bill at [email protected] or Irene Ayvas 201-803-2307 at [email protected]. Married couples are welcome too!

 

PHILOPTOCHOS: The Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Church dedicated to serving those in need. We coordinate efforts for the entire St. Nicholas community to raise money to donate to those less fortunate. For more information contact our president, Demi Thomas  [email protected]

 

CHOIR: Our choir is composed of dedicated men and women who gather each Sunday to enrich the Divine Liturgy and assist the priest in leading our congregation through hymns. New members are always welcome! To join or for more information, please contact Andrew Bacalakis at 973-427-7763.

 

 

 

PARISH COUNCIL: The Parish Council is a group of dedicated stewards elected by the Church body to assist the pastor with Christ’s message. The Parish Council meets regularly to manage the needs of our Church. If you have any questions or if you are interested in running for the Parish Council, contact Menelaos Toskos [email protected]  or Fr. Bill at 201-652-4774 ext12 or [email protected]   

 

LADIES PRAYER GROUP: The Ladies Prayer Group meets twice a month for an informal time of prayer and sharing of faith.
This group also has an “Urgent Prayer Chain.” Anyone with the desire to pray for those in immediate crisis need only add their email address to our list. For more information contact Irene Ayvas at 201-803-2307 or [email protected]  

 

SESSIONS ON SCRIPTURE (SOS): This instruction/discussion group meets once a week on Wednesdays afternoon and evening in the conference room. We read, study, and learn Scripture from the Orthodox Study Bible with Fr. Bill. Contact Caroline Kalliotzis at [email protected] for more information. All are welcome!

 

WOMEN’S READING FELLOWSHIP (WRF): The WRF reads and discusses various spiritual texts. This weekly fellowship is a loving environment, where women learn the role that God is playing in their lives. For more information, please contact Renia Tsigaras at [email protected]

 

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE (DOP): The DOP is a sisterhood that is part of AHEPA. Our various fundraisers help support numerous philanthropic efforts. We have monthly meetings, two active book clubs, and a knitting/crocheting club. To join this group, contact  our president Ann Issackedes Arluna at [email protected]  

AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION (AHEPA): This brotherhood brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which include philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence to the community. Our local chapter, Ramapo Chapter 453, supports our Saint Nicholas community, as well as many charities. To join this group, contact Paul Goulet [email protected]

MEN’S READING FELLOWSHIP (MRF): The MRF provides men with a weekly opportunity to gather informally in fellowship and share their Christian thoughts and perspectives on religious literature. Light food and refreshments are served. For more information contact Dino Aletras at [email protected]   

 

SAINT NICHOLAS COMMUNITY OUTREACH: For more informationcontact Peggy Goulet at [email protected]

 

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MISSION CENTER (OCMC): For more information contact  Georgia Lipane at  [email protected]

 

USHERS: The purpose of this ministry is to enhance the spirit of worship for the congregation during the Divine Liturgy by providing good order which contributes to the spiritual nurturing of all worshipers. To volunteer for this ministry, please contact Bill Fonseca at [email protected]   

 

SHARING AND CARING: This ministry is for those who have been widowed, divorced, or experienced a loss in some way. The group is facilitated by Dr. Eva Krias. The group is non-judgmental, discrete, confidential, and informal. For more information contact Dr. Eva Krias at [email protected]

 

KALI PAREA: “Good Company” provides a venue for our senior citizens to meet, have fellowship, and share experiences in a friendly setting. We meet once a month for lunch, activities, and good conversation. New members are always welcome! For more information, please contact Mrs. Chris Triant at 201-788-1382, [email protected]

 

EXCURSIONS ORTHODOXY (EX–O): Cloud Tours is accepting deposits for reservations for our pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Israel and Constantinople (Istanbul) October  27  to November 8, 2023. Go to our parish website at www.stnicholasnj.org

 

STEWARDSHIP: St. Nicholas has a dynamic Stewardship Ministry Team (SMT) program which recognizes God as the source of all gifts, including our time, talent, and treasure. SMT advocates the community on active stewardship. For more information on how to become a steward, contact Fr Bill at 201-652-4774 ext. 12 or [email protected] or Bill Raczko at [email protected]

 

26th CHARITY GOLF/TENNIS CLASSIC: The Charity Golf Outing is our 2nd largest annual fundraiser. Its proceeds support charitable works, ministries and programs in our church and in our Wyckoff, New Jersey community. Scheduled for Monday, June 26th,  it promises to be a day of fun, friendship and charity! For more information, contact Jason Fink at [email protected]  ; Charlie Charllis at [email protected] or 201-245-6057.

 

ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL: St. Nicholas Greek Festival is our largest fundraiser that promotes fellowship, faith, and culture. Please join us in maintaining the ongoing success of this wonderful event (voted best street festival 2017 by (201) Magazine). All volunteers and donations are welcome! OPA! For more information contact John Tsadilas at [email protected] or George Bayiokos  at [email protected]  or Angelo Lefer at [email protected]  or Kathy Van Dine at [email protected] or Charlie Pflager [email protected]

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 21:1-11; 15-17

At that time, when Jesus drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If any one says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and he will send them immediately." This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

"Tell the daughter of Zion,
Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?" And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee." But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant; and they said to him, "Do you hear what they are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read,

'Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings,
you have brought perfect praise'?"

And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.


Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.


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Assembly of Bishops News

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Awards $200,000 Grant to the Assembly of Bishops for its Groundbreaking Mental Health Ministries

03/01/2023

During the process, it was noted that the Assembly of Bishops training program, Peace of Mind, is a groundbreaking effort to bridge the gap between faith and mental health.

Announcement: Update on AoB Agency Sundays

02/14/2023

During their January 28, 2023 meeting, the Executive Committee of the Assembly of Bishops assigned Sundays to the two newest agencies, Orthodox Volunteer Corps and Orthodox Youth Ministries, and approved adjustments to the dates for the existing agencies.
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Important Events and Items

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Archdiocese News

New Coordinator of Programs at the Ecumenical Department

03/16/2023

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations is pleased to announce the appointment of Hannah Williams as Program Coordinator and Special Assistant to the Director of the Department Rev. Dr. Nicolas Kazarian, beginning March 16, 2023. Prior to her current position, Hannah briefly served as a Youth Coordinator at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Pensacola, Florida.

Department of Greek Education Celebrates Greek Independence Day

03/16/2023

The Department of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America invites you to our Greek Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Hellenic Cultural Center located at 27-09 Crescent St. Astoria N.Y.

Archons from the Metropolis of San Francisco Welcome Archbishop Elpidophoros to Phoenix for 46th Folk Dance and Choral Festival

03/15/2023

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco welcomed with great joy His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to Phoenix, Arizona during the 46th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival. On Saturday, February 18, 2023, the Archons hosted a dinner in his honor as has become the tradition each time the Archbishop visits the Metropolis of San Francisco.

His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia Attends Reception on the Occasion of Pope Francis' 10th Anniversary of Election

03/14/2023

On March 13, 2023, representing His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia attended the reception offered in honor of the 10th Anniversary of the election of His Holiness Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States of America in Washington, DC.

Archbishop Elpidophoros, St. Phoebe Center for the Deaconess Discuss Participation of Women in the Church

03/13/2023

In November 2022, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Carrie Frederick Frost, PhD; Kyra P. Limberakis, MTS; and Archons Cary J. Limberakis, DMD, and George E. Demacopoulos, PhD, to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for a candid discussion on expanding the participation of women in the Church.

GOYA Lenten Retreat Held at Annunciation Church

03/13/2023

With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, one hundred Goyans from the Westchester-Connecticut Vicariate of the Archdiocesan District gathered on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at the Annunciation Church in Stamford, CT for a Lenten Retreat focusing on our “Journey to Pascha.”

Remarks by New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes on the Resolution of the New York State Senate Recognizing March 2023 as Greek History Month

03/23/2023

"On today, March 22nd, with great pride, I thank my colleagues for their indulgence and their support of Senator Gianaris’ resolution and I wish all Greeks and Phil- Hellenes everywhere a Happy Greek Independence Day."


New York State Assembly and Senate Pass Resolutions Recognizing March 2023 as Greek History Month

03/23/2023

The New York State Assembly and Senate passed resolutions recognizing March 2023 as Greek History Month in the state of New York. In honor of this historic recognition, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered the invocation at each of today's legislative sessions.


Internet Ministries Announces Webinars for April 2023

03/30/2023

The Department of Internet Ministries announces the following two webinars for April. On Wednesday, April 5 we will review enhancing your parish’s email communications with Constant Contact. On Tuesday, April 25 we will discuss physical and cyber security practices with a representative of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).


Ordination of Rev. Father Florin Ristache

03/30/2023

The faithful from Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Las Vegas, NV witnessed the ordination of Florin Ristache to the Holy Diaconate on Saturday, February 4, 2023 and to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, February 5, 2023 by His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.


Ordination of Rev. Father Matthew Jouthas

03/30/2023

The faithful from Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, CA witnessed the ordination of Matthew Jouthas to the Holy Diaconate on Saturday, February 11, 2023 and to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, February 12, 2023 by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.


Engaging with Digital Media A Free Webinar, Presented by the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos

03/30/2023

Join the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Society on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Noon PDT for an engaging keynote presentation addressing digital media use and early childhood learning. Explore practical ways digital media impacts your child’s development and well-being.


Ordination of John Trevor Bullock to the Holy Diaconate

03/30/2023

At the direction of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America on Saturday, March 25, 2023, His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia ordained John Trevor Bullock to the Holy Diaconate during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore, Maryland.


The Perfect Kids' Easter Gifts Available on Orthodox Marketplace

03/27/2023

Celebrate Easter with your little ones through storytelling and coloring. Three children’s books for ages 4-8 help explain the true meaning of Easter and the Orthodox faith. They are the perfect Easter basket stuffers for your children, godchildren, grandchildren, and Sunday school classes.


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the First Mode

In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children, bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the Fourth Mode

As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode

In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam."
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Wisdom of the Fathers

But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

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leave a loving and enduring legacy

Saint Nicholas Giving Tree – This is displayed in our Narthex. Donors can make a gift starting at $2,500 and up to $50,000 with different levels of giving assigned a symbol; e.g. $6,000 acorn, $4,000 gold leaf, $25,000 dove, $2,500 silver leaf, $50,000 tree trunk, $10,000 rock.

Saint Nicholas Religious Education Scholarship - This is a fund that distributes scholarships to our Sunday school graduates that have achieved 80% or more attendance during their academic progression through the lower grades to graduation. It is given only upon graduation and not pro rated.

Saint Nicholas Missions Fund – This fund providesfinancial support to our orthodox Christian teenagers and young adults, who will take a long term or short term mission trip to spread the Gospel of Christ. 

Saint Nicholas Benevolent Fund – This fund provides discretionary, confidential financial support to those in families or individuals with financial need. Distribution of funds is at the clergy’s discretion.

You could also establish a perpetual scholarship fund with defined recipients in your father’s name as well. That is a fund where only dividends and interest income would be used to grant scholarships to worthy awardees and the principal would remain untouched in perpetuity. Of course, this requires ongoing administration and specific instructions/parameters as well to perpetuate your Dad’s vision/ his wishes. Wat did his last will and testament indicate?

LEGACY GIVING

Also please remember our Saint Nicholas Church in your estate planning and your life insurance policy beneficiary. You can leave a legacy of love through your gift!

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