Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-06-01
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
WEEKLY SUNDAY BULLETIN
THIS WEEK
Archdiocese News
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
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


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. 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 Acts of the Apostles 20:16-18, 28-36.

IN THOSE DAYS, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesos, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. And from Miletos he sent to Ephesos and called to him the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said to them: "Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.' " And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

Gospel Reading

Fathers of the 1st Council
The Reading is from John 17:1-13

At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, you glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made.

"I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are mine; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves."

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WEEKLY SUNDAY BULLETIN

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
The fifth Sunday of Holy Pascha is observed by the Orthodox Church as the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman. The day commemorates the encounter of Christ with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. The biblical story of this event and the dialog between Christ and the woman is found in the Gospel of Saint John 4:5-42.
For more information visit https://www.goarch.org/samaritan-woman-learn

WELCOME!  If you are a visitor or a guest, please let us know you better by completing the blue welcome card.  You are invited to 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. Patience until ushers directs you out of the pews.  “All things are done in proper order.” – Saint Paul

Memorials: A 1 year memorial for Aris Andrew Economides beloved son of the late Andrew C. Economides and Anastasia Economides. Beloved brother to Ellen Economides Bellairs, Chris Economides and John Economides. Adored uncle to Jo, Matt, Stacie, Malcolm, Nicole, Andrew C. and Andrew J.  
A 20 year memorial for Andrew C. Economides, beloved husband of the late Anastasia, father of Ellen, Chris, the late Aris and John.  Adored grandfather of Jo, Matthew, Stacie, Nicole, Andrew C. Malcolm and Andrew HJ. Beloved brother, uncle and friend to many.
A 20 year memorial for Demetrios (Taki) Gougousis, beloved husband of Sandra, father of John, Athan and his wife Maria and Peter and his wife Amy. Adored grandfather of Alexandra, Emily, James, Sophia, Ava and Emilia. Beloved brother and uncle to many dear family members.
A 10 year memorial for Theodota (Dora) Glavas and a 33 year memorial for Athanasios (Thanasi) Glavas, beloved parents of Sandra (Taki), Xanthipi (George) and Norman (Lisa). Adored grandparents of John, Athan (Maria), Peter (Amy), John (Caroline), Michael (Joanna), Christina (Julio) and Thanasi. Adored great grandparents of Alexandra, Emily, James, Sophia, Ava, Emilia, Luke and Stella. May their memory be eternal.
Annual Memorial service for all the deceased members of AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope (See insert)
Fellowship hour is prepared and offered by our Saint Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos and supported by the Economides family.

Philoptochos: Our monthly meeting will take place tomorrow

 for those in need:  Center for Food Action (CFA) Requests: Supermarket Gift Cards, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Mac & Cheese, Canned Meat, Tuna & Beans, White & Brown Rice, Pasta & Spaghetti Sauce, Hearty Soups/Low Sodium Soups, Canned Fruit & Vegetables, Low Sugar Cereal, 100% Juice, Coffee, Diapers-sizes 2, 3, & 4, Infant Formula & Baby Food, Ensure or Similar Nutritional Drink, Dental Hygiene Products and Toilet paper. A collection basket is placed under the community bulletin board. Thank you for your support!

 FOR EVERYONE:  Sharing & Caring (S&C): tomorrow, May 19th at 3:00pm in our conference room. Sharing and Caring is for anyone who has suffered a loss of a loved one. All discussions are discreet. Everyone is welcome!

 Feast of Saints Constantine & Helen: This Wednesday, May 21st we are celebrating the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helen. Orthros starts at 9:00a.m. and Divine Liturgy at 10:00a.m. Chronia Polla (Many Years) to all who celebrate!

FOR MEN: AHEPA Ramapo #453: is hosting the 22nd Annual Cigar Extravaganza Dinner to benefit the education, community and the outreach & philanthropic programs of AHEPA.  Join us Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at SEASON'S in Washington Twp. NJ at 5:30pm.  Dress is "Smart Casual". This is a social networking event. Smoking is segregated to outdoors only.   Make your Reservations today; contact John Tsadilas at 201-707-2657, or [email protected].  Please visit our web page at: www.ahepa453.org for further Cigar Extravaganza Event information contact John Psomas, Chairman, at 201-704-5903, or Co-Chairman Chris Nonas 917-238-0694,  Paul Savidis 201-694-1128 and Savvas Tsigaras at 201-681-4730.

 Goya Olympics: Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25 our Saint Nicholas GOYAns will participate in the Annual Metropolis of NJ Goya Olympics held at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. 

 for all stewards: Parish General Assembly:  Sunday, June 1st after worship services.

 FOR CHILDREN ages 5-11:  Our Saint Nicholas Vacation Church School (VCS) is June 23-27 on site, right HERE! Kids have registered! New: extended hours: 8:30am to 2:30PM!  New: Hellenic Cultural Activities.   Register with Tina Mouikis at [email protected] or use the QR code in the attached VCS flyer & register now!

 Saint Nicholas Charity GOLF & Pickleball CLASSIC: Save-the-Date: Monday, June 30, 2025 @ Edgewood Country Club, River Vale, NJ.  Don't miss this 28th annual Saint Nicholas-sponsored celebration with longtime golf and racquet friends as well as new players and supporters. Not a golfer or a pickleball player, not a problem. Join us as a dinner guest at the country club and help us commemorate our "Guest of Honor", longtime committee member; Fr. James C. Moulketis for a wonderful night of dinner, drinks, raffles, auctions and fun. Contact Jason Fink: 201-206-7310 or Charlie Charllis: 201-245-6057 or [email protected] or Michael Kalliotzis 201661-0755 for more information.

 FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH:  We thank all of you who have made your Stewardship commitment for 2025, and are pleased to announce that we’ve achieved our goal of 270 stewardship households.  Of course, it’s not too late to make your Stewardship pledge, and join the 284 households that have already done so.
Your pledged/fulfilled 2025 stewardship offering provides the majority of funding for our parish ministries and empowers followers of Christ to aid people on their path to grow in the grace & knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Pledge Cards are available in the Narthex. You can also make your 2025 pledge online by visiting our
parish website https://www.stnicholasnj.org/

AHEPA Scholarship Presentation: Presentation of the 12th Annual Thomas Pappas Scholarship Awards to worthy recipients. Presentations will be made by Evans C. Agrapidis, President, Paul Goulet, Vice President and John Psomas Scholarship Committee to the worthy recipients.
A worthy recipient for exemplary work and dedication to          the Saint Nicholas community will be awarded the Second Annual Christopher Tselepis Memorial Scholarship. Congratulations to all!!

Daughters of Penelope Scholarship Presentation:  The AGAPE Chapter # 336 will present their scholarships and an educational award to worthy recipients today.

   Congratulations and Kali Proodo!  Kai s’anotera! (Kαλή πρόοδο και σε ανώτερα).

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THIS WEEK

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Archdiocese News

Ἀνακοινωθέν περί τῆς Ἱ. Μονῆς τοῦ Σινᾶ

05/30/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/%E1%BC%88%CE%BD%CE%B1%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%B9%CE%BD%CF%89%CE%B8%CE%AD%CE%BD-%CF%80%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%AF-%CF%84%E1%BF%86%CF%82-%E1%BC%B9.-%CE%9C%CE%BF%CE%BD%E1%BF%86%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%BF%E1%BF%A6-%CE%A3%CE%B9%CE%BD%E1%BE%B6?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

Τό Οἰκουμενικόν Πατριαρχεῖον μέ ὀδυνηράν ἔκπληξιν ἐπληροφορήθη ὅτι τό ἁρμόδιον δικαστήριον τῆς Αἰγύπτου ἔθεσεν ἐν ἀμφιβόλῳ τό ἀπό αἰώνων κρατοῦν ἰδιοκτησιακόν καθεστώς τῆς ἱστορικῆς Ἱερᾶς Μονῆς τοῦ Σινᾶ, ἀναγνωρίζον κατ᾽ οὐσίαν εἰς τήν ἐκεῖσε μοναστικήν ἀδελφότητα μόνον δικαίωμα χρήσεως ἐπί τῶν περιουσιακῶν στοιχείων αὐτῆς.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Message on Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine, Mount Sinai

05/29/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-elpidophoros-message-on-holy-monastery-of-saint-catherine-mount-sinai?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

It is with profound concern and deep sorrow that I address the grave situation facing the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at the God-trodden Mount Sinai, following the recent judicial decision by Egyptian authorities that threatens to seize the monastery’s property and disrupt its sacred mission.
 


Patriarchal and Synodal Encyclical Issued on the Occasion of the 1700th Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea

05/29/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/patriarchal-and-synodal-encyclical-issued-on-the-occasion-of-the-1700th-anniversary-of-the-first-ecumenical-council-in-nicaea?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

We offer a hymn of thanks to the almighty, all-seeing, and benevolent God in Trinity, who vouchsafed that His people reach the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which bore spiritual witness to the authentic faith in divine Word born without beginning and truly consubstantial with the Father, “who for us and for our salvation descended, was incarnate and became human, suffered and arose on the third day, and ascended to the heavens, who will come again to judge the living and the dead.”


Archepiscopal Encyclical on the Sunday of the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres, June 1, 2025

05/29/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/archepiscopal-encyclical-on-the-sunday-of-the-national-sisterhood-of-presvyteres-june-1-2025?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

This year’s National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Sunday arrives one week early due to the forthcoming feast of Pentecost on June 8.


Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Presides Over Divine Liturgy at Phanar

05/28/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-elpidophoros-of-america-presides-over-divine-liturgy-at-phanar?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 Sunday, May 25, 2025, with the blessing of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America had the profound honor of presiding over the Divine Liturgy at the historic and Venerable Patriarchal Cathedral of Saint George in the Phanar.


Holy Cross School of Theology Announces Two Timely and Impactful Online Courses for Fall 2025 through the Huffington Ecumenical Institute

05/27/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/hei-fall-25?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

The Huffington Ecumenical Institute (HEI) at Hellenic College Holy Cross is pleased to announce two compelling and engaging online courses for Fall 2025. 


11th International Summer University Participants Visit Harvard University

05/27/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/mcc-isu-5?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

At the conclusion of Day 3 of the 11th International Summer University at the Maliotis Cultural Center, participants experienced a truly memorable cultural event: a guided tour of the historic Harvard University campus!


Maliotis Cultural Center Hosts Event on Greek Cartooning

05/27/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/mcc-isu-25-3?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

As part of the 11th International Summer University, the Maliotis Cultural Center hosted a truly exceptional evening dedicated to the powerful legacy of Greek cartooning and its vital role in public discourse.


Maliotis Cultural Center Honors Journalists at 11th International Summer University

05/27/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/mcc-isu-25-1-1?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

With hearts full of excitement and minds ready to explore, on May 25, 2025 the Maliotis Cultural Center joyfully welcomed the first official day of the 11th International Summer University: Greek Language, Culture, and Media at the Maliotis Cultural Center of Hellenic College–Holy Cross!


Are AIs the New Intermediary Beings? A Report from the AI and Theology Working Group

05/27/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/are-ais-the-new-intermediary-beings-a-report-from-the-ai-and-theology-working-group?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

At the most recent meeting of the AI and Theology working group, I shared a presentation exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), Orthodox theology, and the legacy of intermediary beings—angels, demons, and more ambiguous entities—in early Christian and monastic thought.


Maliotis Cultural Center Begins 11th International Summer University

05/25/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/mcc-isu-25-1?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

The halls of the Maliotis Cultural Center came alive last night as they proudly hosted the Welcoming Dinner for the participants of the 11th International Summer University—a truly global initiative that celebrates the Greek language, culture, and media.


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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 Holy Ascension in the Fourth Mode

Thou hast ascended in glory, O Christ our God, and gladdened Thy disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit; and they were assured by the blessing that Thou art the Son of God and Redeemer of the world.

Apolytikion for Fathers of the 1st 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 Plagal Second Mode

O Christ our God, upon fulfilling Your dispensation for our sake, You ascended in Glory, uniting the earthly with the heavenly. You were never separate but remained inseparable, and cried out to those who love You, "I am with you and no one is against you."

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 Holy Ascension in the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Apolytikion for Fathers of the 1st Council in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone © Holy Transfiguration Monastery
  • Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone © Narthex Press
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    Saints and Feasts

    June 01

    Fathers of the 1st Council

    The heresiarch Arius was a Libyan by race and a protopresbyter of the Church of Alexandria. In 315, he began to blaspheme against the Son and Word of God, saying that He is not true God, consubstantial with the Father, but is rather a work and creation, alien to the essence and glory of the Father, and that there was a time when He was not. This frightful blasphemy shook the faithful of Alexandria. Alexander, his Archbishop, after trying in vain to correct him through admonitions, cut him off from communion and finally in a local council deposed him in the year 321. Yet neither did the blasphemer wish to be corrected, nor did he cease sowing the deadly tares of his heretical teachings; but writing to the bishops of other cities, Arius and his followers requested that his doctrine be examined, and if it were unsound, that the correct teaching be declared to him. By this means, his heresy became universally known and won many supporters, so that the whole Church was soon in an uproar.

    Therefore, moved by divine zeal, the first Christian Sovereign, Saint Constantine the Great, the equal to the Apostles, summoned the renowned First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, a city of Bithynia. It was there that the shepherds and teachers of the Church of Christ gathered from all regions in the year 325. All of them, with one mouth and one voice, declared that the Son and Word of God is one in essence with the Father, true God of true God, and they composed the holy Symbol of Faith up to the seventh article (since the remainder, beginning with "And in the Holy Spirit," was completed by the Second Ecumenical Council). Thus they anathematized the impious Arius of evil belief and those of like mind with him, and cut them off as rotten members from the whole body of the faithful.

    Therefore, recognizing the divine Fathers as heralds of the Faith after the divine Apostles, the Church of Christ has appointed this present Sunday for their annual commemoration, in thanksgiving and unto the glory of God, unto their praise and honour, and unto the strengthening of the true Faith.

    June 01

    Justin the Philosopher and Martyr and his Companions

    This Saint, who was from Neapolis of Palestine, was a follower of Plato the philosopher. Born in 103, he came to the Faith of Christ when he was already a mature man, seeking to find God through philosophy and human reasoning. A venerable elder appeared to him and spoke to him about the Prophets who had taught of God not through their own wisdom, but by revelation; and he led him to knowledge of Christ, Who is the fulfillment of what the Prophets taught. Saint Justin soon became a fervent follower of Christ, and an illustrious apologist of the Evangelical teachings. To the end of his life, while preaching Christ in all parts, he never put off his philosopher's garb. In Rome, he gave the Emperor Antoninus Pius (reigned 138-161) an apology wherein he proved the innocence and holiness of the Christian Faith, persuading him to relieve the persecution of Christians. Through the machinations of Crescens, a Cynic philosopher who envied him, Saint Justin was beheaded in Rome in 167 under Antoninus' successor, Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161-180). Besides his defense of Christianity (First and Second Apologies), Saint Justin wrote against paganism (Discourse to the Greeks, Hortatory Address to the Greeks), and refuted Jewish objections against Christ (Dialogue with Trypho).

    June 01

    Pyrros the Hieromartyr

    June 02

    7th Monday after Pascha

    June 02

    Nicephorus the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople

    Saint Nicephorus was born in Constantinople about the year 758, of pious parents; his father Theodore endured exile and tribulation for the holy icons during the reign of Constantine Copronymus (741-775). Nicephorus served in the imperial palace as a secretary. Later, he took up the monastic life, and struggled in asceticism not far from the imperial city; he also founded monasteries on the eastern shore of the Bosphorus, among them one dedicated to the Great Martyr Theodore.

    After the repose of the holy Patriarch Tarasius, he was ordained Patriarch, on April 12, 806, and in this high office led the Orthodox resistance to the Iconoclasts' war on piety, which was stirred up by Leo the Armenian. Because Nicephorus championed the veneration of the icons, Leo drove Nicephorus from his throne on March 13, 815, exiling him from one place to another, and lastly to the Monastery of Saint Theodore which Nicephorus himself had founded. It was here that, after glorifying God for nine years as Patriarch, and then for thirteen years as an exile, tormented and afflicted, he gave up his blameless soul in 828 at about the age of seventy. See also March 8.

    June 02

    Erasmos of Ochrid & his Companion Martyrs

    June 02

    Demetrios the New Martyr of Philadelphia

    June 02

    Constantine the New Martyr of the Hagarenes

    June 04

    Mary & Martha, the sisters of Lazarus

    The Holy Myrrh-bearers Mary and Martha, together with their brother Lazarus, were especially devoted to our Savior, as we see from the accounts given in the tenth chapter of Saint Luke, and in the eleventh and twelfth chapters of Saint John. They reposed in Cyprus, where their brother became the first Bishop of Kition after his resurrection from the dead. See also the accounts on Lazarus Saturday and the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women.

    June 03

    Lucillian of Byzantium, 4 martyred Youths and Paula the Virgin

    Formerly a priest of the idols near Nicomedia, the Saint came to the Christian Faith in his old age; this was during the reign of Aurelian (270-275). Lucillian was brought before Silvan the Count; when he refused to return to the service of the idols, his jaw was broken, he was beaten with rods, and hanged upside down, then imprisoned with four Christian children, Claudius, Hypatius, Paul, and Dionysius. All of them were brought out again before Silvan, and remaining constant in their faith, were cast into a raging furnace. Preserved unharmed, they were sent to Byzantium, where the children were beheaded, and Lucillian was crucified. The virgin Paula, a Christian, buried their holy relics. For this, she was taken before the Count, and refusing to sacrifice to the idols, was stripped naked and mercilessly thrashed; after other torments, she was beheaded, in 270. There was a church in their honor in Constantinople.

    June 03

    Kevin, Abbot of Glendalough

    June 07

    The Saturday of Souls

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    Wisdom of the Fathers

    For there is One God, and One Mediator between God and Man, the Man Christ Jesus. For He still pleads even now as Man for my salvation; ...
    St. Gregory the Theologian
    4th Theological Oration, 4th Century

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