We are a parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, and all are welcome to worship with us! Our services are in English. Please join us at our coffee hour downstairs after the service.


Weekly Schedule

Saturday Vigil        5:00pm
Sunday Divine Liturgy    9:30am
Sunday School        during the sermon
Sunday Bible Study    after coffee hour
Wednesday Akathist    6:30pm




Sunday Troparion, Tone 7: Thou didst destroy death by Thy Cross, * Thou didst open Paradise to the Thief. * Thou didst change the lamentation of the Myrrh-bearers, * and Thou didst command Thine Apostles * to proclaim that Thou didst arise, O Christ God, * and grantest to the world great mercy.

Troparion of the Holy Fathers, Tone 2:  Great are the triumphs of faith! * In the fountain of flame, as in refreshing water, * the Three Holy Children rejoiced. * And the prophet Daniel proved a shepherd of lions as of sheep. * By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
 
Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone 4:  Make ready, O Bethlehem, * Eden hath been opened unto all. * Prepare, O Ephratha, * for the Tree of life hath blossomed in the cave from the Virgin. * For her womb proved to be a spiritual paradise * wherefrom there came the Divine Plant, * whereof eating we shall live and not die like Adam. * Christ is born * to raise the image that fell of old.

Troparion of St. John of Kronstadt, Tone 4:  O wonderworker, who livest in Christ * forever, take pity in thy love upon people in misfortunes; * hearken unto thy children who with faith call upon thee, * expecting compassionate aid from thee, * O John of Kronstadt, our beloved pastor.

Kontakion of the Fathers, Tone 1:  Rejoice, O Bethlehem! * Ephratha, make ready! * for behold, the Ewe hasteneth to give birth unto the Great Shepherd * Whom she carrieth in her womb. * And seeing Him, the God-bearing Fathers rejoice, * and with the shepherds praise the Virgin who giveth milk.
 
Kontakion of St. John of Kronstadt, Tone 4:  O father John, namesake of grace, * who wast chosen by God from childhood, *
who in thy youth miraculously received from Him the gift of learning, * and in a dream wast most gloriously called to be a priest: * Entreat Christ God, that we may all be with thee in the kingdom of heaven.
 
Kontakion of the Forefeast, Tone 3: Today the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth ineffably * to the Word Who was before the ages. * Dance, O earth, at the message! * Give glory with the angels and shepherds * unto Him Who was willing to be gazed upon as a young child * and is pre-eternal God.

Today’s Readings
Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40; 1 John 4:7-11
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25; Luke 6:31-36

Parish News

 Reader Peter Semanchuk has had another fall. He broke his left femur and had surgery. He is recovering at Millard Fillmore Suburban in Room 334B.

 Many thanks to Fr. Peter Irfan for serving last weekend while the Jacksons were away at the St. Herman Youth Conference.

 There will be no Moleben for the Conversion of the Non-Orthodox today, nor Bible study.

 Royal Hours: Thursday at 9:00am. Confessions will be heard after the service.

 On Thursday at 5:00pm we will have our Sochelnik (Christmas Eve Dinner). Please bring a lenten dish.

 Vigil for Nativity: Thursday at 6:00pm. During the Vigil we will greet each other with the traditional greeting: “Christ is born!” “Glorify Him!” Confessions will be heard after the Gospel reading.

 Divine Liturgy for Nativity: Friday at 9:00am.

 There is no fasting from Nativity until the Eve of Theophany (January 18). We chant the Troparion and Kontakion of the Nativity at our morning and evening prayers, and sing the Troparion before meals.

 Please remember in your prayers those traveling: Galina Bahanovich, Silouan Dudley, Reader Nicolas Jackson and Benjamin Jackson and Keenan (Harrison) Elliff.

Troparion of the Nativity, Tone 4: Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, * hath shined upon the world the light of knowledge; * for thereby, they that worshipped the stars * were taught by a star * to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. * O Lord, glory be to Thee

.Kontakion of the Nativity, Tone 3:  Today the Virgin giveth birth to Him Who is transcendent in essence; * and the earth offereth a cave to Him Who is unapproachable. * Angels with shepherds give glory; * with a star the Magi do journey; * for our sake a young Child is born, Who is pre-eternal God.


If you are visiting today:

 There are service books underneath the candle stand that you may borrow and follow along in. If you get lost, ask your neighbor to help you find the page.
 As you can see, we stand for most of the service. If you are not accustomed to this, please feel free to sit if you feel the need. No one will mind! You should still stand during the Scripture readings and when the priest comes through.
 In the Orthodox tradition, women cover their heads in church, and extra scarves can be borrowed from the candle stand at the entrance.
 You will see people making the sign of the cross and bowing. Feel free to follow suit or not, however you are comfortable. Again, no one will mind either way.
 Feel free to venerate (kiss) the icons and purchase a candle to light. Commemoration slips for Orthodox, living and reposed may be placed on the tray by the candle stand. Please write down how many prosphora you would like (suggested donation: $1/ea.)
 At the end of the service, you may come forward to venerate the hand-cross if you wish.
 At our parish we do not pass a collection plate. Gifts are voluntary and can be left at the candle stand.
 Anyone who wishes to receive Holy Communion must be an Orthodox Christian and make their Confession beforehand. Please speak with Fr. Peter for more information.

Confessions are heard at every evening service.