Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-10-15
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Important events
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

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

BACK TO TOP

Important events

BACK TO TOP

Weekly Sunday Bulletin

WELCOME!  If you are a visitor or a guest and you are with us for the first time, 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.

 

Memorial: A 1 year memorial for Ekaterini Gialias, beloved wife of the late Dimitrios, adored mother to Xenofon and Stella Gilligan and her husband Kevin. Adored yiayia to Alyssa, Sophia and Katerina. Beloved sister to Maria Spiropoulos and her husband Angelo. Beloved aunt and cousin to many dear family members.    Eternal be her memory.

 

Religious Education:  Classes have begun! To register click link below: https://forms.office.com/r/GHwYuQjMnh or contact Fr. Bill at [email protected] All children are welcome!

 

GOYA Youth Sunday: Today is Youth Sunday, a day our young people re-commit to Christ and His Church.  Our GOYAns are participating in all aspects of worship including ushering, greeting people, proclaiming the Epistle, singing in the choir, and helping to serve at the wonderful Fellowship Hour for all to enjoy!  In addition, our new GOYA Officers/Ministers will take the Oath of Office.  Congratulations to our GOYA President: Callista Nonas; Vice President: Christina Koulokourdis; Ministry Directors for Diakonia: Eleni Diamantopoulos and Emily Gougousis; Stewardship Director: Darin Nonas; Recording Secretary: Manoli Pittas; Corresponding Secretary: Adriana Manoussakis; Media Liaisons: Maria Papson and Yianni Raftopoulos; Sports Liaison: James Gougousis.  Please pray for and support our amazing youth ministries. 

 

Philoptochos News:  Winter Coat Drive:  Now – October 29, 2023:  There are many who do not have warm or weather proof coats, gloves or scarves.  Adults and Children need coats.  Please dig deep into your closets so we can all be warm this winter.  Collection racks are in the Fellowship Hall.  For information contact Peggy [email protected] or Tammy [email protected] .

 

 

  

 

Community Christmas Card: It's time for our annual Community Christmas Card!  What a wonderful way of sharing the joy of the season with your fellow parishioners.  Please consider being a part of this annual tradition. A minimum donation of $27 is requested.  The deadline to reply is November 26th.  Any questions, please contact Aggie Tsadilas at 201-310-6135 or by email at [email protected]

 

Upcoming WORSHIP SERVICES (NOT all autumn dates included)

Saint Iakovos (James):  Monday, October 23rd Orthros at 9:00am and Divine Liturgy 10:00am.  

Saint Demetrios:  Thursday, October 26th Orthros at 9:00am and Divine Liturgy at 10:00am.  

Saint Nicholas: Thursday, December 5th vespers with H.E.METROPOLITAN APOSTOLOS of NJ 6pm

 

Upcoming Conferences

Save these Dates:

Saturday,   OCTOBER 21st, 2023:  Annual Ladies’ Conference - “Faith Lift”
Saturday, MARCH 2nd, 2024:  2nd Annual Men’s Fellowship Breakfast.

Hellenic Federation 10th annual awards gala:  Today at the graycliff in moonachie, NJ HONORING METROPOLITAN APOSTOLOS of nj & dr. Elias Iliadis.   rsvp to [email protected] or call Despina Axiotakis AT 201 981 5764

 

Updated Bookstore:  Come and enrich your faith at our updated bookstore, which now includes new and refreshed content categorized by Children, Teen, and Adult sections! In addition  to books and icons, we now have a new gift shop area within the  bookstore. Treat yourself, a friend, or loved one with a special faith-based gift! Also, check out our discount bin for great deals. Come and See!

 

 Annual Women’s Conference: Our Ladies Prayer Group (LPG) hosts its Annual Women’s Conference on Saturday, October 21st from 10am – 12:30 pm. yes; it’s time for a “FAITH LIFT!"  Women of All Ages …Join us and you will be Inspired, Encouraged and Uplifted by heartfelt testimony, songs and amazing fellowship!  As always, there is no charge and a complimentary lunch will be served.  We expect this year to be our best yet!!  Our theme is “Break Out in Faith” and better understands and embraces who God says you really are!!   Something amazing happens when women gather together, so don’t miss this and invite your friends and family.    RSVP to register by text or email to Irene Ayvas at 201-803-2307 or [email protected].

 

Wreath Sale: The Daughters of Penelope are selling fresh balsam fir Christmas Wreaths until October 31st. These low-priced wreaths make great gifts, can be shipped anywhere in the 48 contiguous states and will be delivered in time to decorate your home for the Christmas holiday. You can order online at www.stnicholasnj.org, or contact Christine at [email protected] - or visit our wreath order table in October at fellowship hour. 

 

2023 Stewardship:  Thank you all who have made their 2023 Stewardship pledge!  To-date, 280 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. Our Lord and Holy Scripture call on us as His faithful, to cheerfully offer back to Him a portion of the gifts we have been blessed with. 

 

2023 Festival Volunteer Appreciation Dinner today from 5-9PM in our Fellowship Hall. Our Greek Festival Committee thanks each of you for volunteering to make our Festival a success!

BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our Fathers as luminous stars upon the earth, and through them didst guide us all to the true Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory be to Thee.

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 Second Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Apolytikion for Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
    • BACK TO TOP

    Saints and Feasts

    October 15

    Euthymios the New

    October 15

    Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

    On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.

    October 15

    Lucian the Martyr of Antioch

    This Saint was from Samosata, the son of pious parents. He established a catechetical school in Antioch, and taught the correct doctrines of the Faith and made clear the parts of the divine Scriptures that were difficult to understand. He edited the Old Testament translation from the Hebrew tongue, and published it in an excellent edition, free from every heretical corruption and interpolation. He travelled to Nicomedia to strengthen the faithful there in their contests for Christ, and was accused before Maximinus, with whom he conversed openly. When he had made a defence of the Christian Faith, he was condemned to imprisonment where, in 311, he died of hunger and thirst.

    October 15

    Savinos the Bishop of Catania

    October 15

    Barsus the Confessor

    October 16

    Longinus the Centurion

    This Martyr was in the service of Pontius Pilate at the time of Christ our Saviour's Passion. While standing guard at the Cross and beholding the earthquake and all that came to pass, he cried out with fear, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection, he forsook the military and departed for Cappadocia, his homeland, where he preached Christ. By the agency of Pontius Pilate, Tiberius Caesar had him arrested and beheaded.

    October 16

    Longinus the Centurion

    This Martyr was in the service of Pontius Pilate at the time of Christ our Saviour's Passion. While standing guard at the Cross and beholding the earthquake and all that came to pass, he cried out with fear, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection, he forsook the military and departed for Cappadocia, his homeland, where he preached Christ. By the agency of Pontius Pilate, Tiberius Caesar had him arrested and beheaded.

    October 16

    The Two Soldiers martyred with Saint Longinus

    October 17

    Tuesday of the 5th Week

    October 17

    Hosea the Prophet

    According to some, Hosea, whose name means "God is help," was from the tribe of Issachar, or more likely, from that of Reuben; he was the son of Beeri. He is the first in order of the twelve minor Prophets and the most ancient of all. He prophesied in the days of the divided Kingdom; the Lord told him to take a harlot to wife (Hosea 1:2), and then an adulteress (ibid., 3:1). The harlot, a known sinner, was a figure of the Kingdom of Israel in Samaria, which openly worshipped idols; the adulteress, lawfully married yet sinning secretly with her lovers, was a figure of the Kingdom of Judah in Jerusalem, which, while having the Temple, and the priesthood, and the divine worship according to the Law, stealthily served the idols also. The Prophet Hosea prophesied for sixty years, and lived for some ninety years, from 810 to 720 B.C. His book is divided into fourteen chapters.

    BACK TO TOP

    Assembly of Bishops News

    On the Foreign Affairs Article (September 14, 2023)

    10/05/2023

    https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2023/on-the-foreign-affairs-article-9142023
    On September 14th, Foreign Affairs, the influential magazine of the Council on Foreign Relations, published an article entitled, “Putin’s Useful Priests.” The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America hereby expresses its objection and concern with the inaccurate manner with which Orthodox Christians in the United States are stereotyped by the authors.

    Orthodox Youth Ministries Sunday 2023

    08/21/2023

    https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2023/oym-sunday-2023
    As the Episcopal Liaison of the Orthodox Youth & Young Adult Ministries (www.theOYM.org), I encourage everyone to observe this day and reflect on the importance of young people in the life of the Church.
    BACK TO TOP

    Wisdom of the Fathers

    When you see life's pleasures, beware that they might not distract you, for they conceal death's snares. Likewise a fisherman casts not his hook to no purpose. As bait for his hook, the enemy uses the delusion of sensuality to arouse desire, that he might thereby catch men's souls and subject them to himself. A soul which has been caught to serve the enemy's will then serves as a snare for other souls, for it conceals the grief of sin with its apparent delight.
    St. Ephraim the Syrian
    A Spiritual Psalter no 43, pg. 74, 4th century

    Since there are certain people who find great fault with us for adoring and honoring both the image of the Savior and that of our Lady, as well as those of the rest of the saints and servants of Christ, let them hear how from the beginning God made man to His own image. For what reason, then, do we adore one another, except because we have been made to the image of God? As the inspired Basil, who is deeply learned in theology, says: "the honor paid to the image conveys to the original.," and the original is the thing imaged from which the copy is made.
    St. John of Damascus
    The Orthodox Faith, 4.16. Catholic University of America Press in Washington D.C. Translated by Frederic H. Chase, Jr. volume 37, page 370., 8th Century

    BACK TO TOP