This Weekend
19th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, October 19, 2025
The Prophet Joel (800 B.C.) predicted the desolation of Jerusalem. He also prophesied that the Holy Spirit would be poured out upon all people, through the Savior of the world (Joel 2:28-32).
The hymnographer Anatolius links Joel’s prophecy to the Nativity of the Lord. In the Praises at Matins on the Sunday following the Nativity, he refers to Joel 2:30, saying that the blood refers to the Incarnation, the fire to the Divinity, and the pillars of smoke to the Holy Spirit.
Regular weekly schedule*
Saturday
6 p.m. Great Vespers
Sunday
8:30 a.m. Matins
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Confessions are heard after Great Vespers on Saturdays or by appointment during the week.
*This is the usual schedule; midweek services vary from week to week. Check the calendar for updates.
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.
Coat Drive, benefiting Transition Projects Portland, October 19 through November 12. Transition Projects works to engage folks at all levels of their journey from homelessness to housing. Whether it is getting critical support to our unhoused neighbors on the street, providing shelter for folks to reset and set their sights on housing, or bringing online innovative, deeply affordable housing solutions, we meet and support the many needs of the community we serve. Coat drive can include other warm clothing such as socks, gloves, scarves, sweaters, hats. Everything should be in good condition, like new or new.
Angel Tree, November 23 through December 7, provides gifts for children in need at Christmas. Annette Bacon, coordinator, will announce particulars of the 2025 program to parish.
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
- Wednesday, October 15 — Akathist to the Theotokos 6 p.m.
- Thursday, October 16 — Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m.
- Saturday, October 18 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, October 19 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, October 22 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Thursday, October 23 — Holy Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord. Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m.
- Saturday, October 25 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, October 26 — Greatmartyr Demetrius. Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Great Vespers (St. Olga of Alaska) 5 p.m.
- Monday, October 27 — St. Olga of Alaska. Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m.
- Thursday, October 30 —Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Friday, October 31 — Hieromartyr John Kochurov. Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m.
- Saturday, November 1 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, November 2 — Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:30 a.m.
See the online calendar for further details.