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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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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: 2025-12-07 19:14:17 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. General Confession will resume on Saturday June 7th. 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. 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. Interested in learning more about the history, teaching and practice of the Orthodox Church? An Advent Faith Enrichment Series series via Zoom,and in the rectory, will take place this Thursday evening, December 11th at 7PM., moderated by Fr. David. His presentation will be "The Various Parts of the Divine Liturgy". A topic for the final discussion will be chosen by recommendation, so let Father know what questions or challenges you'd like to address. If you want to take part, send an E-mail to Fr. David (dfmg@aol.com) and he will send you the Zoom link - ALL are welcome! The Church School Annual Christmas Cookie Sale will take place in the hall on Sunday, December 14th, during coffee hour. Each student's family is asked to make/bring eight dozen of one kind of cookie in order to guarantee another successful fundraiser for our education program and related youth and family events. If you're interested in being a baker or if you wish to make a monetary offering for supplies, see Rebecca Kozak after Liturgy or phone her (732-634-7517). (*Notes:* All donations are to be dropped off in the hall for packaging on Saturday, December 13th, between 11am and noon. Also, refrain from making anything with peppermint or extremely strong flavors, since they tend to overpower the other cookies in the tin.) Next Sunday, December 14th at 3PM, our Church Choir will present its annual Christmas Concert. Director Basil Kozak and all the members have been working hard to make this year's program unforgettable. This event is a FREE gift to our congregation and local community, so invite your friends and family to this special afternoon of entertainment celebrating the birth of Christ. Coffee Hour Request: There is a need of volunteers for this service ministry through October and beyond. Please see Deborah Silowka to find out how you can help. 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: Sunday December 21st after Liturgy Altar Society: Mon. TBA @6:30 (Hall) Parish Council: December 8th@7:30PM (Hall) Choir Rehearsal: Tuesday, Dec. 9th@7:00PM (Church) Men's Club: Thurs. December 18th @ 7:00 (Hall) - Holiday Party	Saturday, December 13 St. Herman of Alaska 9:00 Divine Liturgy 5:00 Confessions (NOTE TIME CHANGE) 6:30 Panihida for Sonya Plutnick 7:00 Vespers followed by Confessions Sunday, December 14 9:00 Divine Liturgy 3:00 Annual Christmas Choir Concert Saturday, December 20 St. John of Kronstadt 6:00 Confessions 7:00 Vespers Sunday, December 21 9:00 Divine Liturgy Thursday, December 25 NATIVITY OF THE LORD Friday, December 26 Synaxis of the Theotokos Monthly Calendar > St. Herman of Alaska The Russian monk who brought Orthodoxy to Alaska and was the first Orthodox saint canonized in America. Celebrated on December 13th, Herman arrived in Alaska in 1794 and spent over 40 years ministering to native Alaskans. He defended them against exploitation and established schools and orphanages on Spruce Island. 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. 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. 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. St. John of Kronstadt The 19th-20th century Russian priest known for his pastoral care and miraculous healings. Celebrated on December 20th, John served in Kronstadt for over 50 years, offering daily liturgy and caring for the poor. His spiritual diary 'My Life in Christ' reveals deep mystical insights. He represents dedicated pastoral ministry and social service. Nativity of Christ The celebration of Christ's birth in Bethlehem. The feast is preceded by a 40-day Nativity Fast and celebrated with the Divine Liturgy, special hymns like the Troparion of the Nativity, and the blessing of homes. Synaxis of the Theotokos The gathering to honor the Theotokos on December 26th, the day after Christmas. This synaxis celebrates Mary's central role in the Incarnation and her continued intercession for the faithful. The service emphasizes her title as 'Theotokos' (God-Bearer) and her unique position as the bridge between humanity and divinity.	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