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 ofHoly Confession and Communion. Please email or call Fr. David to set up an appointment.
General Confession will resume on Saturday January 17th, following Vespers. It is held on the first and third Saturdays of every month. You are NOT required to attend twice per month - only once - and if you are in need of a private confession, Fr. David is available on Saturday evenings, starting at 6PM.
The Annual Blessing of Homes is done during the Theophany seasaon which starts Jan. 6th. If your house has not been blessed in previous years, and you would like it to be, call Father David so he can update his list accordingly. Weather and health permitting, below are dates/start times for house blessings. If you need another day/ time, please call the rectory; alternative arrangements will gladly be made. NOTE: Below is the revised schedule (AS OF 1/11/2026):
For the spiritual edification of those seeking to delve deeper into Holy Scripture, we're pleased to offer Weekly Bible Study in Russian led by Father Anatoly Andreev. If you want the opportunity to experience Christ in the language that is very close to your heart, come and participate.
Prosphora (Holy Bread) Baking will be held in the hall on Saturday, January 31st at 10AM. Everyone with a heart and passion to serve the Lord God and others are welcome to participate, for this activity is a way to be mindful of all that we really are called to offer Him. Come!
Coffee Hour Request: There is a need of volunteers for this service ministry. Please see Deborah Silowka to find out how you can help.
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 resume Sunday Jan. 11th after Liturgy
Choir Rehearsal: Tuesday, Jan 13th@7:00PM (Church)
The 18th-century 'fool for Christ' who lived in radical poverty and simplicity. Celebrated on January 24th, Xenia gave away her possessions after her husband's death and lived as a holy fool, helping others while appearing mad to the world. She represents the path of voluntary poverty and the wisdom hidden in apparent foolishness.
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.
Three Holy Hierarchs
The joint celebration of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom on January 30th. These three great Church Fathers and theologians were honored together to end disputes over which was greatest. They represent the unity of Orthodox theology, liturgy, and pastoral care. This feast is especially important in Orthodox education.
Presentation of Christ
The presentation of the infant Christ in the Temple, where He was received by the righteous Simeon and Anna the Prophetess. Also called the "Meeting of the Lord," this feast on February 2nd celebrates Christ's first entrance into the Temple and Simeon's recognition of Him as the "Light of the Nations." Candles are traditionally blessed.
