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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

CHRIST IS RISEN!

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 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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CHRIST IS RISEN!

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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00000 Upcoming Events Category: Recent Events Last updated: 2026-05-11 21:29:15 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. The Schemick-Tolls Scholarship is currently being run through Carol Deerson.. Please click here SCHEMICK_TOLLS for all the information. A Memorial Day Panihida honoring all the departed veterans of the parish will be served at the cemetery on Monday, May 25th, beginning at 8:00AM. A Retirement Celebration for Fr. David and Matushka Shari is scheduled for Sunday, May 17. The day will begin with a Hierarchical Liturgy at 9:00AM, led by His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL, followed by Coffee Hour. The festivites will continue with a banquet at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township at 2PM. (Doors open at 1:15PM) It will be difficult to see Father retire after he has played such an important role in our parish and community for 28 years. Be a part of this commemoration, as we honor his dedicated service, show appreciation for all that he has done; and offer him well wishes. A Reverent Disposal Event being be held at 7 acres has been POSTPONED until JUNE 6th, due to rain, 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 Saturday, March 28, and continuing through June 5th. Burnable items will be placed in a blessed fire. Take advantage of this opportunity to give those items a dignified farewell. Continuing the tradition started by Hank Dziemian 30 years ago, a Run/Walk for the Church will be held on Saturday June 13th, starting at 9:30AM. This year's 5K run/walk for adults/older kids and one-mile "fun run" for the youth being organized by Christen Fornadel and Christopher Segal. They're looking for participants to come and share this experience with them. Afterwards, everyone will get the opportunity to socialize in the hall with food, games and treats. As in the past, there will be water stands and 'route marshals' stationed at various points along the way. Ya just need to show up! Questions?? See Christen in the church hall after Liturgy or email her at cfornadel@gmail.com . 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, May 12th@7:00PM (Church) Men's Club: Thurs. May21st @ 7:00 (Hall) Senior R Club: Sun. March 29th Altar Society: Mon. May 18th @6:30 (Hall) Parish Council: Mon. May 4th@7:30PM (Hall) 00001 Recent Weekly Bulletin Category: Recent Events Last updated: 2022-11-06 14:23:34 March 13, 2022 more information >	Saturday, May 16 6:00 Confessions 6:30 40th Day Panihida for Joseph "Jay" Pelleriti 7:00 Vespers w/ His Eminence AB MICHAEL Sunday, May 17 9:00 Divine Liturgy 2:00 Retirement Celebration for Fr. David Wednesday, May 20 Leave-taking of Pascha Thursday, May 21 ASCENSION OF THE LORD Ss. Constantine & Helen Saturday, May 23 6:00 Confessions 7:00 Vespers Sunday, May 24 9:00 Divine Liturgy Monthly Calendar > 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. 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. Pascha The "Feast of Feasts" celebrating Christ's Resurrection from the dead. The most important celebration in the Orthodox Church, Pascha determines the date of all moveable feasts. The service begins with the joyful midnight proclamation "Christ is Risen!" and continues with the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Ascension of Christ The celebration of Christ's ascension into heaven forty days after His Resurrection, witnessed by the Apostles. This moveable feast always falls on a Thursday and marks Christ's return to the Father and His promise to send the Holy Spirit. The feast emphasizes both Christ's divine nature and His continued presence with the Church. Sts. Constantine and Helen The first Christian Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother, St. Helen, who found the True Cross. Celebrated on May 21st, this feast honors Constantine's legalization of Christianity and Helen's pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Their work established Christianity's place in the Byzantine Empire and preserved many holy sites.	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