ST. NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

980 Bridle Path RoadBethlehem, PA 18017-3120

Church Telephone: 610-867-0402

CLERGY:Reverend Matthew Joyner, Rector

Very Reverend James Mason, AttachedVery Reverend Timothy Hasenecz, Attached

Deacon Geoffrey LoBalbo

Home phone: 610-866-6057Father’s cell phone: 570-468-2261

E-mail address: nkyorthodox@gmail.com

Website: www.stnicholasoca.orgThe weekly bulletin is now on the website.

Ms. Patty Felix, Parish Council ChairReader Nicholas Lezinsky, Choir Director

Patricia Grammes, Sunday School Co-ordinator

Sunday, March 4th, 2018Second Sunday of Lent - St. Gregory of Palamas

NOTE TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS VISITINGST. NICHOLAS CHURCH

We offer a most sincere and heart-feltWelcome to St. Nicholas Church!

Please be advised that according to the ancient traditions of theOrthodox Church, the Sacrament of Holy Communion

is to be administered only to Orthodox Christianswho have prepared to receive the Holy Sacrament.

Prayer List Heavenly Father… Physician of our souls and bodies, Who has sent your only begotten Son to heal every sickness and infirmity, visit us and heal us, Your servants, from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant to us patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your work to pray for each other that we may be healed. For You are the source of healing and to You we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

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PRAYERS at the Divine Liturgy for the Health of the Servants of God:Archbishop Nikon Igumen David Lewis Bishop DavidArchpriests: John Bruchock, Thomas Edwards, John Perich, Rodion Pfeifer, James Mason, Claude Vinyard, Joseph Martin, John Mason, John Nightingale, Demitri Oslensky, David Shewczyk, Ian Shipley, James Weremedic, Basyl Zawierucha.Matushki Marie Mason, Johanna Bohush, Evelyn Edwards, Paraskeva Vansuch, Myra Kovalick, Gloria Martin, Irene Rachko, Maryann Oslensky, Pricillia Shipley, Katia, Vansuch, Lisa Weremedic

Servants: Martha Billy, Bethany Bruder, Helen Butch, Jean Butrymowicz,Michael Bzik, Helen and Geoirge Cotirgasanu, Roberta Cusick, Donna Hafer, Christopher Felix, Walter Grigoruk, Elizabeth Hahalis, Nicholas Hazzard, Mary Hudak, Michael H. Isbansky, (son) Michael J. Isbansky, Doris Johnson, Sarah Jubinski, Pauline Kasick, Kathleen Keimer, Mary K. Koretski, Olga Maksimova, Catherine Miller, Stephanie Pasquel, Mildred Podlusky, Robert Schainfeld, Kiera Pheiffer, William Radick, Clara Roman, Victoria Ross, Nancy A. Sabol, Mary Strohecker, Julia Smith, Donna Mason, John Uzick, Irene Witanek, Rosemary Ziegenfuss.

For the handmaiden of God, Stephanie Sica and her unborn child.

Please remember them and all our homebound and nursing home parishioners in your daily intercessory prayers.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS --- Mrch 4th THIRD WEEK OF LENT

Monday Isaiah 8:13-9-7 Genesis 6:9-22 Proverbs 8:1-21Tuesday Isaiah 9:9-10:4 Genesis 7:1-5 Proverbs 8:32-9:11 Wednesday Isaiah 10:12-20 Genesis 7:6-9 Proverbs 9:12-18Thursday Isaiah 11:10-12:2 Genesis 7:11-8:3 Proverbs 10:1-22

Martyrs Isaiah 43:9-14 Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 & 5:15-6:3Friday Isaiah 13:2-13 Genesis 8:4-22 Proverbs 10:31-11:12 Saturday Hebrews 10:32-38 Mark 2:14-17 Departed 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 John 5:24-30 Sunday Hebrews 4:14-5:6 Mark 8:34-9:1

“TURN NOT AWAY THY FACE FROM THY SERVANT FOR I AM AFFLICTED!

HEAR ME SPEEDILY ATTEND TO MY SOUL AND DELIVER IT”-The Great Prokeimenon

Now... during the course of Lent,

We will have the Presanctified Liturgy every Wednesday evening at 6PM.

Mission Vespers services every Sunday at 4PM

Akathist Services every Friday at 7PM.

We will have Memorial Saturday Divine Liturgy on 17th at 9AM. 

On Friday March 30th, we will have Matins for Lazarus Saturday at 7PM, with Lazarus Saturday Liturgy at 9AM on the 31st.

Holy Week:

Sunday Apr. 1st  9:30AM Palm Sunday (Archbishop Mark will be present) 4PM Bridegroom Matins (Archbishop Mark will be present)

Mon. Apr. 2nd 9AM Presanctified Liturgy (Archbishop Mark will be present) 7PM Bridegroom Matins

Tues. Apr. 3rd 9AM Presanctified Liturgy 7PM Bridegroom Matins

Wed. Apr. 4th 9AM Presanctified Liturgy 7PM Unction Service

Thurs. Apr. 5th  9AM Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 7PM Passion Gospels

Fri. Apr. 6th.  9AM Royal Hours 4PM Burial Vespers 6:30PM Matins with Lamentations

Sat. Apr. 7th.  9:00 AM Vesperal Divine Liturgy 11:30PM Paschal Vigil and Divine Liturgy

Sun. Apr. 8th. 11AM Agape Vespers

Mon. Apr. 9th.  9AM Divine Liturgy 

Sun. Apr. 15th  Blessing of the Graves

Schedule for the Week of March 4th

Today - Second Sunday of Lent – Tone 6St. Gregory of Palamas

Greeter this morning is Nancy Sabol

Coffee Hour sponsored by Pauline Senick IN MEMORY OF PETER SENICK

Office Hours: Tuesday 2pm-6pm Wednesday 9am-11amFriday 3pm-6pm

Tuesday, March 6th 7:00PM Communications Group Meeting

Wednesday, March 7th 5:00PM Confession6:00PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Friday, March 9th 6:00PM Confession7:00PM Akanthist Service

Saturday, March 10th 9:00AM Memorial Saturday – Divine Liturgy5:00PM Confession5:45PM Ninth Hour6:00PM Great Vespers and Confessions

SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD 1 HOURSunday, March 11th Third Sunday of Lent Tone 7

St. John of the Ladder 9:10AM The Reading of the HOURS9:30AM Divine Liturgy

Sunday School after Communion

COFFEE HOUR sponsored by Michael Isbansky and Paul Dragovitch

SUNDAY HYMNS FROM THE OCTOECHOS Tone 6

St. Gregory of Palamas

TroparionThe Angelic Powers were at Thy tomb; the guards became as dead men.

Mary stood by Thy grave, seeking Thy most pure body. Thou didst capture hell not being tempted by it. Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord, Who didst rise from the dead, glory to Thee.

St. Gregory PalamasO light of Orthodoxy, teacher of the Church, its confirmation, O ideal of monks

and invincible champion of theologians, O wonderworking Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion from the Lenten TriodionNow is the time for action! Judgment is at the doors! So let us rise and fast,

offering alms with tears of compunction and crying: “Our sins are more in number than the sands of the sea; but forgive us, O Master of all, so that we may receive the incorruptible crowns!”.

Kontakion (St Gregory Palamas)Holy and divine instrument of wisdom, joyful trumpet of theology,

together we sing thy praises, O God-inspired Gregory. Since thou now standest before the Original Mind, guide our minds to Him, O Father, so that we may sing to thee: “Rejoice, O preacher of grace!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Prokeimenon

Thou, O Lord, shalt protect us and preserve us from this generation forever. Save me, O Lord, for there is no longer any that is godly!

(for St Gregory) My mouth shall speak wisdom, the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.

Epistle Lesson for Today: Hebrews 1:10-2:3

Reading the Epistles this morning: Mr. Michael DoroshBrethren:

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.

They shall perish, but thou remainest: and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.

St. Gregory Hebrews 7:26-8:2Brethren,

For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s; for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Alleluia VersesHe that dwelleth in the aid of the Most High shall abide under the

protection of the God of heaven.

He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector and my refuge, my God. In Him will I trust!

(Triodion) The mouth of the righteous shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shallspeak of judgment.

Gospel Lesson for Today: Mark 2:1-12

Let Us Attend:

And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.

Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.

Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men.And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the

roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”

And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,“Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God

alone?”But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within

themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?

Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’?

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic,

“I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so

that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

St. Gregory John 10:9-16Let us Attend:

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep

are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father; and I lay down

my life for the sheepAnd other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

The Hymn to the Theotokos

All of creation rejoices in you, O Full of Grace, the assembly of angels and the race of men. O sanctified temple and spiritual paradise, the glory of virgins, from who God was incarnate and became a child – our God before the ages. He made your body into a throne and your womb He made more spacious than the heavens.

All of creation rejoices in you, O Full of Grace. Glory to You! Glory to You!

Communion HymnsPraise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest!

The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance, He shall not be afraid of evil tidings.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Sundays Lenten CornerSt. Gregory of Palamas

What hymns of praise shall we sing to honorthe holy bishop?

He is the trumpet of theology, the flaming mouthpiece of grace,the chosen vessel of the Spirit,

the unshakeable pillar of the Church,the great joy of the inhabited earth,

the river of wisdom, the candlestick of the Light,the shining star that has made all creation bright.

What garlands of song shall we weave for the holy bishop?He is the champion of true worship,

the foe of ungodliness,the fervent defender of the faith,

the great guide and teacher, the well-tuned harp of the Spirit,

the golden tongue, the fountain flowing with healing for the faithful,

the great and wonderful Gregory.

How shall we who dwell on earth praise the holy bishop?He is the Church’s teacher,

the herald of the Uncreated Light,the initiate of the Trinity’s heavenly mysteries,

the adornment of the monastic life,renowned alike in action and contemplation,

the pride of Thessalonica;And now he dwells in heaven

with the great and glorious martyr Demetrius, whose relics flow with holy oil.

O thrice-blessed saint, most holy father,good shepherd,

disciple of Christ the Chief Shepherd.Like Him thou gavest thy life for thy sheep.

By thine intercessions, O God-bearing Father Gregory, may great mercy be granted to our souls!

Thy tongue, watchful in teaching,rings in the ears of our hearts,

and awakens the souls of the slothful.Thy words are inspired by God;

they are a ladder leading us from earth to heaven.O Gregory, pride of Thessalonica,

intercede before Christ our God without ceasing to illumine with His Divine Light those who honor you!

Candles for Sunday, March 4th, 2018VGILS in ALTAR: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSALIE and SCOTT RADIO

OFFERED BY GREG VGILS in ALTAR: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSALIE and SCOTT RADIO

OFFERED BY KERI and JASONVOTIVES in ALTAR: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JOHN and MARYANN MIKITA

OFFERED BY ANN MARIE and BARRY BRETZVIGILS in LEFT SIDE CANDLE HOLDER: FOR THE HEALTH OF ANNA

KEYSOCK ON HER 5TH BIRTHDAYOFFERED BY BILL and SANDI KEYSOCK

VIGILS in RIGHTSIDE CANDLE HOLDER: IN HONOR OF ANNA KEYSOCK ON HER 5TH BIRTHDAY

OFFERED BY BILL and SANDI KEYSOCK

CROSSES: IN HONOR OF THE PARISH COUNCIL and SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERSOFFERED BY KAREN TAKOR

VIGILS on ICON TABLE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSALIE and SCOTTOFFERED BY ETHAN, OWEN, TALIA and JONES

VIGILS on SOUTH WALL WINDOW SILLS: FOR THE HEALTH OF MATUSHKA PRICILLA

OFFERED BY MATUSHKA FRAN

MAY GOD GRANT THEM MANY YEARS!= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

VIGILS on TETRAPOD: IN MEMORY OF ALEXANDER RADCHUKREMEMBERED BY BILL and SANDI KEYSOCK

VIGILS-ICON – VIRGIN MARY: IN MEMORY OF ANN PROHIDNEYREMEMBERED BY ROSE BACHIK

VOTIVES -ICON – VIRGIN MARY: IN MEMORY OF MARK TOKARREMEMBERED BY KAREN TOKAR

VIGILS-ICON-ST. JOHN the BAPTIST: IN MEMORY OF ANNA MANKOWSKIREMEMBERED BY ROSE BACHIK

VOTIVES-ICON – ST. JOHN the BAPTIST: IN MEMORY OF MATUAHKA BARB KUCYNDIA REMEMBERED BY MATUSHKA FRAN

MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE ETERNAL

What is

Happening in the Kitchen!PEROGI MAKING

Potatoes for perogies will be prepared on: Monday & Tuesday, March 5th and 6th

at 8:00 AM.Perogies will be made on Wednesday, March 7th at 8:00 AM.All orders must be placed by Monday, March 5th

Perogies sell at $6.00 per dozen.Orders are to be picked up on Wednesday, March 7th after 10:30 AM

Lenten Fish Dinners Friday Lenten Fish Dinners –March 16th and March 30th

4:00 pm to 6:30 pmEat IN or Take OUT

Also, a Themed Raffle Baskets –drawing to be on March 30th

Treasures of Russia will also be open during the Fish Dinners.

GROCERY CLUB MEMBERSDon't forget, STEPHANIE PASQUEL is available to help you and new members Sundays after the Divine Liturgy in the Chernay Fellowship Hall with the purchase of Grocery Coupons. If Stephanie is not available on a given Sunday and you would like to order some coupons.PLEASE call Stephanie at 610-837-2052 oremail her at: Stephanie.pasquel@gmail.com

The program is very successful.If you have not purchased grocery coupons –

Why not buy some today!

PUSSY WILLOW BRANCHES

REMINDER:

It will soon be time for pussy willows to start blooming.PLEASE cut the branches of willows and bring them to the church as soon as they bloom. Since Pascha is April 8th we will need to store the willows until Saturday, March 30th, for Palm Sunday, April 1st Please wrap the willows loosely in newspaper so we can save them for Palm Sunday.

Thank you for your help in gathering the willows.

****************************PASCHA FLOWERS

Donations are being accepted to help defray the costs of the flowers that adorn the Grave and Church during Holy Week and Pascha. Parishioners and friends are offered the opportunity to make a general flower donation or a specific donation in memory of, in honor of, etc.

All donations will be listed in the Pascha Bulletin.A specific donation sponsor would have the opportunity to take the flowers home to

enjoy indoors or plant. All flowers will be available after Divine Liturgy on Bright Monday. The following flowers are available for sponsorship: Baskets of Fresh Cut Flowers by

Iconostas, Baskets of Carnations, Double Lilies, Azaleas. Mums prices are in the SIGN-UP book

A SIGN-UP book is located on the Candle Desk, all donations will be accepted at the Candle Desk also.

"Gas Project Summary"

The final cost of the gas project was $106,360.  Thanks to the generosity of the Parish,

we were able to raise $98,433.  Although it is too early to determine the exact amount we are saving on our monthly utility

expenses, we have already saved several thousand dollars by avoiding substantial maintenance and repair bills on the old and outdated oil boilers. 

Thank you all for your hard work,efforts, and contributions to this project and the

Church.

God Bless you all,The Parish Council.

OUR NEW PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS

Patty Felix, Ann Marie Bretz, Bryan Distefano, Mary Dorosh, Judy Faber,Guliana Holobeny, Moses Hodson, Dan Jubinski, Judy Lezinsky,

Matthew Lezinsky, Maxine Marsh, Stephanie Pasquel.Matthew has resigned as our treasurer. Jen Bzik was elected to take his place

by the council members. Jen took the oath of office, Wednesday morning.May God bless the Parish Council as their new year on the Council begins.

Anyone who would like to give more support to Bishop Neophytos, may do so by writing a check to OCMC, and putting Mount Kenya Diocese in the memo.