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.
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)
Men's Club: Thurs. January 15th @ 7:00 (Hall)
Senior R Club: Sun. Jan., 18th following Coffee Hour
The 4th-century apostle to Georgia who converted the Georgian kingdom to Christianity. Celebrated on January 14th, Nina was a Cappadocian woman who brought the Gospel to Georgia through her preaching and miracles. She convinced the royal family to convert, leading to Georgia becoming the second nation to officially adopt Christianity. She represents successful missionary work and women's apostolic ministry.
St. Anthony the Great
The father of monasticism who retreated to the Egyptian desert in the 3rd-4th centuries. Celebrated on January 17th, St. Anthony's feast honors his pioneering role in Christian monasticism and his spiritual warfare against demons. His life, recorded by St. Athanasius, inspired countless Christians to pursue ascetic life and deeper prayer.
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.
St. Xenia of St. Petersburg
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.
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