Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-07-23
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Summer is here
Weekly Sunday Bulletin
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Assembly of Bishops News
Wisdom of the Fathers

Organization Icon
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


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7.

Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

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Summer is here

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Weekly Sunday Bulletin

Memorial: A 40 day memorial  for Minna Louloude, beloved mother of Nota Hartofilis and mother-in-law to Stavros and adored yiayia to 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

May her memory be eternal.

 Camp Good Shepherd (CGS):  We concluded CGS-NJ yesterday. The experience was filled with faith, fellowship and fun! Thank you to Ms. Christina Eliades and Ms. Alexandra Pirsos for their stewardship to CGS-NJ!

young emerging adults (YAL/YEA) “panigiri” Saturday, AUGUST 19  7-11pm  at white chapel projects long branch, nj      go to https://nnjyalpanigiri.eventbrite.com and be there!

WALK WHERE THE LORD WALKED!   join our PILGRIMAGE to the Holy Land:  israel & CONSTANTINOPLE (ISTANBUL) October 27 - November 8.    Cloud Tours is still ACCEPTING deposits for reservations   go TO WWW.STNICHOLASNJ.ORG or contact TOULA AT [email protected]  OR 718-721-3808 

Save the date: Saturday, October 21st, 2023 for our “Annual Ladies Conference”.

 

New: The Saint Nicholas Self-Awareness and Self-Care Ministry is a new no-cost support service offered to our individuals and families to assist with child rearing, marital relationships and navigating daily life. The ministry is led by Dr. Eva Pappas Krias, an experienced and NY State-licensed psychologist who donates her time and talents to our community.   Our Lord wants us to be joyful and grateful but the pressures of life can sometimes be overwhelming. At times, we may need to seek some support and counsel.  An ongoing confidential support group is also offered as another option for all, called Sharing and Caring.  Please contact Eva for more information at 212-475-8614 or [email protected] or contact Fr. Bill at [email protected] 

 

The 2023 Saint Nicholas Greek Festival Better than Ever! We are excited to announce the dates for this year’s Saint Nicholas Greek Festival September 22-24, 2023 Friday & Saturday: 12pm-11pm Sunday: 12pm-7pm Spread the word to help make our festival a success!  Look out for future e-mails regarding volunteering, donations, and other details. Questions? Please contact: John Tsadilas: [email protected]  George Bayiokos: [email protected] ; Angelo Lefer: [email protected] ; Kathy Van Dine: [email protected] ; Charlie Pflager: [email protected];  Parish office: [email protected]  

 

Saint Nicholas Community Food Drive:  We are collecting nonperishable food items for the needy and the less fortunate. A basket is placed under the community bulletin board. Thank you for your support!

 

2023 Stewardship:  We thank all who have made their 2023 Stewardship pledge.  To-date, 273 households have done so, enabling us to meet our 2023 goal. For those of you who haven’t yet made your pledge, now is the perfect time to do so.  To obtain your 2023 pledge card, pick up one in our Narthex or e-mail us at [email protected]  You can also make your pledge on our website by going to https://www.stnicholasnj.org As Orthodox Christians, we affirm that every aspect of our lives is a gift from God. Stewardship calls on us, the faithful, to cheerfully offer back to our Lord a portion of the gifts we have been blessed with. 

 Special Saints of the Summer: they are our superheroes!

Saint Christina the Great Martyr – July 24th: Saint Christina was from Tyre in Syria, the daughter of a pagan named Urban. Enlightened in her heart to believe in Christ, she broke her father's idols, made of gold and silver, and distributed the pieces to the poor. When her father learned this, he punished her ruthlessly, and then cast her into prison. The rulers subjected her to imprisonments, hunger, torments, the cutting off of her breasts and tongue, and finally impalement, in the year 200, during the reign of the Emperor Septimius Severus.

 Saint Anna, Mother of the Blessed Virgin – July 25th: According to tradition, Anna, the ancestor of God, lived for sixty-nine years, and her spouse Joachim, for eighty; according to one account, Saint Joachim died two years before Saint Anna. The Theotokos had been orphaned of both her parents already when she was eleven years of age, when she was living in the Temple (see Sept. 8 and Nov. 21). Saint Anna is invoked for conceiving children, and for help in difficult childbirth.

 Saint Paraskevi – July 26th: Saint Paraskevi, who was from a certain village near Rome, was born to pious parents, Agatho and Politia. Since she was born on a Friday (in Greek, Paraskevi), she was given this name, which means "preparation" or "preparedness" (see Matthew 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, and John 19:31, where 'Friday' is called "the day of the preparation"). From childhood she was instructed in the sacred letters and devoted herself to the study of the divine Scriptures, while leading a monastic life and guiding many to the Faith of Christ. But she was apprehended because she was a Christian and was urged to worship the idols. Defiantly she answered with the words of Jeremias: "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jeremiah 10:11). Because of this she endured exceedingly painful torments, and was beheaded in the year 140. The faithful pray to her for the healing of eye ailments. 

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Phocas in the Fourth Mode

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Phocas. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

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 Plagal of the Second Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Phocas in the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
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    Saints and Feasts

    July 23

    7th Sunday of Matthew

    July 23

    Phocas the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

    This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.

    July 23

    Ezekiel the Prophet

    The Prophet Ezekiel ("God is strong") was the son of Buzi and a priest by rank. He was taken captive and brought to Babylon during the reign of Jechonias. In the fifth year of this captivity, about 594 or 593 B.C., he began to prophesy. Having prophesied for about twenty-eight years, he was murdered, it is said, by the tribe of Gad, because he reproached them for their idolatry. His book of prophecy, divided into forty-eight chapters, is ranked third among the greater Prophets. It is richly filled with mystical imagery and marvelous prophetic visions and allegories, of which the dread Chariot of Cherubim described in the first Chapter is the most famous; in the "gate that was shut," through which the Lord alone entered, he darkly foretold of the Word's Incarnation from the Virgin (44:1-3); through the "dry bones" that came to life again (37:1-14), he prophesied both of the restoration of captive Israel, and the general resurrection of our race.

    July 23

    Pelagia the Righteous of Tinos

    July 23

    Icon of the Mother of God

    The Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All That Sorrow" - As with so many other icons of the Theotokos, wonderworking copies of this icon have been found throughout Orthodox Russia, each with its own history and moving collection of miracles. In this icon, the most holy Mother of God is depicted standing full stature sometimes with, sometimes without the Divine Child in her arms; she is surrounded by all manner of the sick and the suffering, to whom Angels of the Lord bear gifts of mercy, consolation, and suitable aid from the most holy Theotokos. The icon "Joy of all that Sorrow" was inspired by the hymn of the same name; see page 222 in Great Compline. Through one copy of this icon, the sister of Patriarch Joachim was healed at the end of the seventeenth century in Moscow, from which time the feast was established. Another copy of the icon was found in Saint Petersburg; on July 23, 1888, during the severe thunderstorm, lightning struck a chapel at a glass factory, burning the interior walls of the church, but leaving the icon unsinged. From the violent disturbance of the air, the icon was knocked to the floor, the poor-box broke open, and twelve copper coins adhered to the icon in various places; afterwards many miracles were worked by the grace of the holy icon.

    July 23

    St. Anna of Levkadio

    July 23

    The Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos of Pochaev

    The Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev - Metropolitan Neophytus, a bishop belonging to the see of Constantinople, was traveling through Volhynia in Ukraine where he was given hospitality by a pious woman, Anna Goyskaya. The bishop gave this woman an icon of the holy Theotokos, which began to work miracles, including the healing of her blind brother. In 1597 the icon was given to the monks residing in Pochaev near the border of Galicia, where the Mother of God had appeared in 1340, leaving an imprint of her footprint in the rock, from which a stream gushed forth. In 1675 when the Lavra of Pochaev was besieged by the Moslem Turks, it was saved by the miraculous intervention of the Mother of God through her wonderworking icon. Even though the Lavra of Pochaev came into Uniate hands for over a century, miracles continued to be worked through the holy icon. Since its return to the Orthodox Catholic Church in 1831, the icon has been a grace-bestowing support for Orthodox Christians, especially those in western Ukraine and the Carpathian region.

    July 23

    Trophimos & Theophilios and the 13 others martyred in Lycia

    July 24

    8th Monday after Pentecost

    July 24

    Christina the Great Martyr of Tyre

    Saint Christina was from Tyre in Syria, the daughter of a pagan named Urban. Enlightened in her heart to believe in Christ, she broke her father's idols, made of gold and silver, and distributed the pieces to the poor. When her father learned this, he punished her ruthlessly, then cast her into prison. The rulers subjected her to imprisonments, hunger, torments, the cutting off of her breasts and tongue, and finally impalement, in the year 200, during the reign of the Emperor Septimius Severus.

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    Assembly of Bishops News

    Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday 2023

    07/20/2023

    https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2023/prison-ministry-awareness-sunday-2023
    As the Episcopal Liaison to Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), I place a challenge to you, our faithful in America, and respectfully request that you observe this day of awareness and support Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry. Open your hearts to God’s children behind bars.

    AoB Announces Inter-Parish Assocation Program

    06/28/2023

    https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2023/aob-announces-inter-parish-assocation-program

    Reflection by OCPM's Mark Santana

    06/26/2023

    https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2023/ocpm-2023-reflection
    Sunday July 30, 2023, has been appointed by the Assembly of Bishops as Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday (PMAS), when all Orthodox churches of every jurisdiction recognize the importance of prison ministry for the life of the Church. OCPM Church Programs Manager, Mark Santana, has written a simple reflection on his most recent visit inside a prison, SCI Waymart, near St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (STOTS).
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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

    And then at last He for His part lays His hand upon them, saying, "According to your faith be it unto you." And this He does to confirm their faith, and to show that they are participators in the good work ...
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

    He delivered them first from their want of faith. The affliction of the dumb man was not natural ... wherefore also he needs others to bring him. ... For this cause neither does He require faith of him, but straightway heals the disease.
    St. John Chrysostom
    Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

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