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The Orthodox Church is the original Christian Church founded by Jesus and continued by his Apostles. It is the same Church described in the Bible as the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ (1 Corinthians 12 : 27; Ephe ... more info >

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We warmly invite you to come and visit our church, located at 76 Whitehead Avenue, South River, New Jersey! ... more info >

Bright Monday with Vladika Michael 2022

Pascha John 1:1 2022 Languages of the Parish

Bright Monday 2022

Video "An Introduction to Orthodoxy"

For those looking for a new Parish home, or just looking for an introduction to the Orthodox Christian faith, parishioner Zachary Held has created a short documentary film, narrated by Fr. David. Thanks to Zachary for his efforts! The film can be seen on Zach's youtube channel by clicking here: "An Introduction to Orthodoxy"

FOR YOUR INFO: A moving and inspirational video showing the beauty of Orthodoxy can be seen here.The Orthodox Church - A Visual Journey

OCA Telegram Channel: You can now receive announcements and updates from the OCA website and social media. Subscribe to it at www.oca.org. To preview the channel, click here: https://t.me/s/orthodoxchurchamerica

Recommendations from Fr. David: One podcast I whole heartedly recommends is Fr. Thomas Hopko, of blessed memory, "speaking the Truth in Love" here is a link: Speaking the Truth in Love | Ancient Faith Ministries.

An unexpected treasure I have found is a Youtube channel called "Atheist Church Audit" that is one of the best introductions I have ever seen of the Orthodox Church. It is also a challenge to us to make sure that the "Jared's" of the world have a similar experience. Here is a link to his video about a visit to a Orthodox parish:An Atheist visits an ORTHODOX Church (and has a surprisingly nice time)

Please consider selecting the Donate button to make a one-time or recurring donation. Giving types for Palm Sunday and Pascha have been added. Please also select "Cover Fees" and use your Bank account, in lieu of credit card. (Bank fees are less than card fees.) Thank you for your continued stewardship.

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See Monthly Calendar for this week's Services.

Lenten Memorial Soul Saturdays

As Orthodox, it is natural for us to pray for the departed as it is for those who are still alive. We are taught that the departed are no longer able to rectify their lives as they could on earth; hence, their only hope is for us to pray for them and to do good deeds in their name in order to cover any unrepentant sins that they have brought into the next life. As an act of love and mercy, The Church has set aside four Saturdays this year, called Memorial (Soul) Saturdays to publicly commemorate all her departed children: February 14th (Pre-Lent); March 7th, 14th and 21st (Great Lent); June 3 (Eve of Pentecost) and October 24th (Demetrius Sunday). A form was included in the bulletin, and is also available at the Candle Desk. Please write their FIRST names only, and drop it off at the church or rectory. Our bright and joyous faith teaches us that someday, you will again see them in a renewed form.

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Latest News	Calendar	Recent Photos
00000 Recent Weekly Bulletin Category: Recent Events Last updated: 2022-11-06 14:23:34 March 13, 2022 more information > 00001 Upcoming Events Category: Recent Events Last updated: 2026-04-05 17:17:12 Confession schedule can be found in the bulletin OR by clicking here: Monthly Calendar. For those who are hesitant to worship in person, Fr. David is available to meet with you, either at home or in church, to participate in the Sacraments of Holy Confession and Communion. Please email or call Fr. David to set up an appointment. Coffee Hour Request: There is a need of volunteers for this service ministry. Please see Deborah Silowka to find out how you can help. On Holy/Good Friday, April 10, and Pascha night, April 12th, our parish will hold its 2nd Annual Luminaria Night. Help us light the exterior walkway of the church, symbolizing the guiding light of our Crucified and Risen Lord, by buying a luminaria in memory of, for the health of and/or with thanks to God for a loved one, friend and/or neighbor. An order form is included in today's bulletin and on the homepage. Once you complete it, give it to Carol Deerson or drop it off at the candle desk. Be a part of this youth fundraiser that will unite the community for two nights of remembrance and joy. A *Paschal Agape* Meal will be held in our hall after Matins and Liturgy on Pascha night. This fellowship gathering on the "Holy Day of Holy Days" can be traced back to the early days of the Church and, as you can imagine, some serious eating going on, after fasting for seven weeks! No donation is required, as there'll be plenty to eat and drink. If, however, you would like to offer something--main course, side dish, dessert, beverage--there is a sign-up sheet posted in the church vestibule. Any questions? See/contact Philip or Natasha Rogozenski (908)331-1297. All are invited for the feast! Archbishop Michael will make a Paschal Archpastoral Visit on Bright Monday, April 13. Join us for worship and feelowship as His Emminence celebratesthe Resurredtion with us. Come in faith and joy and invite friends and family to this special occasion. Save the date! The Senior R Club is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 2, starting at 5 p.m. (Vespers will be served at 4 p.m.) There will be games, a prize for the best hat and also a large screen TV to see the actual race in real time. Cost is $25, which includes food and a signature drink. See any Club member for more information and/or tickets. A Mother's Day Raffle is being sponsored by the Altar Society on Sunday, May 3, during the Coffee Hour. Celebrate Mom with a chance to win a beautiful gift basket, including one from Victoria's Secret, a lapgan blanket, a bee-themed prize, one from Kurt Geiger jewelry and a poppy seed tea-themed present. Baskets will be on display in the hall starting TODAY. Tickets are $5 apiece or three for $10. Good luck everyone! The Schemick-Tolls Scholarship is currently being run through Carol Deerson.. Please click here SCHEMICK_TOLLS for all the information. A Reverent Disposal Event will be held at 7 acres on Saturday, April 25, starting at 11:00AM. This is an opportunity for you to have blessed items made of natural materials (wood, cloth, paper) that are broken, worn out or no longer in use burned with respect, rather than simply tossing them in the trash; such items include prayer books, icons, pussy willows, prayer cards and bulletin covers. A drop off receptacle for your unwanted blessed objects will be in the church hall starting this Saturday, March 28,** and continuing throughout April. Burnable items will be placed in a blessed fire. Take advantage of this opportunity to give those items a dignified farewell. We continue to collect food to help keep the South River Food Bank stocked. Please leave your donations of non-perishable items on the table in the hall narthex. FOOD CARD PROGRAM : Food cards are available for various supermarket chains after Divine Liturgy, and do not cost any more than the face value of the card. The church receives a percentage as a free fundraiser! See Judy Znaiden in church or at jznaiden@optonline.net. MEETING DATES: Church School: Classes meet Today after Liturgy Choir Rehearsal: Tuesday, tbd@7:00PM (Church) Men's Club: Thurs. April 16th @ 7:00 (Hall) Senior R Club: Sun. Maarch 29th Altar Society: Mon. Mar. 16th @6:30 (Hall) Parish Council: TBD@7:30PM (Hall)	Saturday, April 18 6:00 Confessions 7:00 Vespers Sunday, April 19 9:00 Divine Liturgy Thursday, April 23 Great-Martyr George Saturday, April 25 Apostle Mark 6:00 Confessions 7:00 Vespers Sunday, April 26 9:00 Divine Liturgy Monthly Calendar > Holy Confession The sacrament of reconciliation through which the faithful confess their sins to a priest and receive absolution. Also called the sacrament of repentance or penance, confession restores the baptismal purity lost through sin and reconciles the penitent with God and the Church. The penitent stands before an icon of Christ while confessing to the priest, who acts as a witness and minister of God's forgiveness. The priest then covers the penitent's head with his epitrachelion (stole) and pronounces the prayer of absolution. Vespers The evening prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at sunset. Vespers includes psalms, hymns, scripture readings, and incense. On Saturday evenings, Great Vespers is often combined with the Sunday Divine Liturgy. The service marks the end of the liturgical day and prepares the faithful for rest and reflection. Divine Liturgy The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great. Great Martyr George The soldier-saint martyred under Diocletian, venerated as the 'Trophy-Bearer' for his victory over evil. Celebrated on April 23rd, George is patron of soldiers, England, and Georgia. The legend of his slaying a dragon symbolizes triumph over evil. His courage in maintaining faith despite torture makes him a model of Christian fortitude. Apostle Mark The evangelist who wrote the shortest Gospel, emphasizing Christ's divine power through miracles. Celebrated on April 25th, Mark was a companion of both Peter and Paul. He founded the Church in Alexandria and is patron of Venice. His Gospel, likely the first written, served as a source for Matthew and Luke.	Ss Peter and Paul 110th Annive... 06/29/2025 Chrismation 04/27/2024 Bushes replanting 04/20/2024 Holy Week Pascha Bright Monday 05/04/2024

Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church / South River, NJ / 732-257-0102