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 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.
Anyone interested in Prosphora (Holy Bread) Baking is more than welcome to help on Saturday, November 8, starting at 10:30AM, in the hall. Our wonderful group of bakers could always use extra hands in continuing the tradition of offering our finest ot God and His Holy Church. Come one, come all!!
The Men's Club is hosting an Atlantic City Excursion to the Resorts Casino on Thursday, Nov. 13th. Enjoy the boardwalk or try your luck. Tickets are $40 / person and all participants will receive $20 in slot play, as well as a snack and drink on the bus. Seating is limited - first come, first served!. For more info, contact Pete Silowka (732-735-6540) or email (silowkapd@aol.com)
An Icon Tree of Remembrance will be held in the church hall on Saturday, November 15th, starting at 5PM. This parish event will usher in the Nativity Lenten Season (Advent) and remind us of the spiritual steps we will take over the next five-and-a-half weeks as a community to greet the Newborn King on December 25th. (See home page for more info.)
The Altar Society is holding a Thanksgiving Bake Sale during Coffee Hour on Sunday, November 23rd. This is a good time to buy scrumptious pies, heavenly cakes and delectable cookies for company coming to your house for dinner. Serve your guest home-baked treats without having to do any of the labor. Not only that, every penny of the proceeds goes directly to the continuing blessed works of this parich organization. Now THAT is something to be thankful for.
Instead of traditional cookies, why not try a delicious kolachi roll for Christmas and/or New Year's dinner? The parish is again selling this fine pastry for the holidays. Four varieties are being offered for $19 each. (Nut, poppy seed, apricot and prune) An order form was included in the September 21st bulletin. You can also call (732-254-4979) or email (jcdeerson@verizon.net) Carol Deerson. The deadline is Sunday, November 16; pickup will be in the hall on Friday, December 5th between 3pm and 6pm. Support this fundraiser and let us help you with your holiday baking! (These rolls also make unique hostess/Christmas gifts!)
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.
The tax collector called by Christ to be an apostle and evangelist. Celebrated on November 16th, Matthew wrote the Gospel that emphasizes Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. His calling from the tax booth demonstrates God's grace in transforming lives. He's patron of accountants and tax collectors.
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.
Entrance of the Theotokos
The presentation of the three-year-old Virgin Mary in the Temple by her parents, Saints Joachim and Anna. Celebrated on November 21st, this feast honors Mary's dedication to God and her preparation for her role as Theotokos. According to tradition, Mary was raised in the Temple until her betrothal to Joseph.
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.
St. Alexander Nevsky
The 13th-century Prince of Novgorod who defended Russia against Western invaders while maintaining peace with the Mongols. Celebrated on November 23rd, Alexander won decisive battles against Swedish and Teutonic forces. He chose diplomacy over warfare when possible and protected Orthodox faith from Catholic pressure. He represents faithful leadership and defense of the Church.
Great Martyr Katherine
The learned virgin martyr of Alexandria who defeated pagan philosophers in debate. Celebrated on November 25th, Katherine is patron of scholars, philosophers, and students. When tortured on a spiked wheel, it broke miraculously. She represents the union of faith and reason, showing that true learning leads to Christ.
Kursk-Root Icon
A miraculous icon of the Mother of God found by hunters near the roots of a tree in Kursk. Celebrated on September 8th and March 9th, this icon accompanied Russian emigrants and is now in New York. The icon has survived fires, wars, and persecution, and is associated with many miracles. It represents the protection of the Mother of God over the Russian diaspora.
Recent Weekly Bulletin
