A parish of the Orthodox Church in America

A parish of the Diocese of the West of the Orthodox Church in America, Portland, Oregon

This Weekend

St. Chariton of Palestine

16th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, September 28, 2025

Saint Chariton, who lived in the third to fourth century, denounced pagan gods and confessed faith in Christ the Savior. The holy Confessor underwent fierce tortures but, by God’s Providence, survived. He was among the many Christians who were released from prison, and he resolved to dedicate his entire life to the service of the Lord. Although he escaped death, he grieved because he had not received the crown of martyrdom.

On a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he fell into the hands of thieves. They planned to kill him, but God miraculously intervened. He built a church on the site and later established a monastery in Palestine and founded two more: one in Jericho and one in Souka. He brought many Jews and pagans to the Faith. He fell asleep in the Lord peacefully and at an advanced age on September 28, 350.

Scripture readings: 2 Corinthians 4:6-15; Luke 6:17-23; 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Luke 5:1-11

Commemorated feasts and saints: Ven. Chariton the Confessor, Abbot of Palestine (ca. 350). Synaxis of the Saints of the Kiev Caves (Near Caves). Ven. Kharitón of Syanzhémsk (Vologdá—1509). Ven. Herodion, Abbot, of Iloezérsk (1541). Prophet Baruch (6th c. B.C.). Martyrs Alexander, Alphius, Zosimas, Mark, Nicon, Neon, Heliodorus, and 24 others in Pisidia and Phrygia (4th c.). Martyrdom of St. Wenceslaus (Viachesláv), Prince of the Czechs (935). Schema-monk Cyril and Schema-nun Maria, the parents of Saint Sergius of Radonezh (parents of Ven. Sergius of Rádonezh).

Liturgy

Regular weekly schedule*

Saturday
6 p.m. Great Vespers

Sunday
8:30 a.m. Matins
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Thursday
9:10 a.m. Hours and Divine Liturgy

Confessions are heard after Great Vespers on Saturdays or by appointment during the week.

*This is the usual schedule. Check the calendar for changes.

Church School

Church School for children 6–13 is now in session. Classes for middle- and high-school students meet the first three Sundays every month. (On summer break)

Charities

Continuous Food Drive. Supporting the Oregon Food Bank. Food can be dropped off on the brown shelves downstairs in the hall. This month’s food-drive theme is oatmeal or any nonperishable items.

The Charities Committee is sponsoring an online donation drive to Casa Cuna Orphanage in Mexico. Click this link to go to the Amazon Donation webpage to donate. Cash donations are also being accepted. For cash or check donation, make the check payable to St. Nicholas, marked a note “Casa Cuna Orphanage.” Fr. John will purchase items through Amazon at the end of the drive. For questions see Cheri Wilson or Matushka Eva.

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Bible Study

Bible study every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Unchanged: Bible study every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.

Inquirers’ Class

Inquirers’ classes have begun. Speak with or email Fr. John if you’re interested.

Confession

Confessions are heard after Great Vespers on Saturdays, or by appointment during the week. Please see the complete Calendar.

Prayer (Zoom)

Every weekday we offer a short (15- to 20-minute) morning prayer by Zoom. This is a great way to start the day together with fellow Orthodox Christians. We meet at 8:15 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join!

To join the meeting, please follow the link: Join Zoom Morning Prayer
Zoom Meeting ID: 850 3708 1187
Passcode: 009791

Russian Bible Study / Discussion Group (Zoom)

For Russian-speaking people, we offer a weekly evening Bible Study/Discussion Group Thursdays at 7 p.m. If you would like to participate in the group, please contact Dn. Igor Beskorovaynyy

Russian-Language Divine Liturgy

Russian-language Divine Liturgy happens the third Sunday of the month at Annunciation Church in Milwaukie. See the Annunciation Church calendar for detailed information.

Schedule Highlights

Tuesday, September 23 — No Bible study. Readers’ Vespers 6 p.m.
Wednesday, September 24 — New Martyrs of Alaska. Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m. Akathist to the Mother of God Healer of Cancer 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 27 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 28 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, September 30 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 1 — Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m. Akathist to St. Nicholas 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 4 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 — Baptism 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, October 8 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 9 — Glorification of St. Tikhon, Apostle to America, and Holy Apostle James. Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m.
Saturday, October 11 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 12 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.

See the online calendar for further details.