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
27th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, December 14, 2025
The Sunday that falls between December 11-17 is known as the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers. These are the ancestors of Christ according to the flesh, who lived before the Law and under the Law, especially the Patriarch Abraham, to whom God said, “In thy seed shall all of the nations of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3, 22:18)
Scripture readings: Colossians 3:4-11, Luke 14:16-24
Commemorated feasts and saints: Sunday of the Forefathers. Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios, and Kallinikos (249-51). Martyrs Philemon, Apollonios, Arrian, and Theonas of Alexandria (286-287).
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.
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 jelly or jam of any kind 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.
Inquirers’ Class
Inquirers’ classes have begun. Due to the number of inquirers this year, we will meet in the church, Saturdays at 4 p.m. There will be no class Saturday, November 1, because Fr. John will be away.
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, December 10 — Vespers 6 p.m.
- Friday, December 12 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Saturday, December 13 — St. Herman of Alaska. Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m. Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, December 14 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, December 17 — Akathist to the Mother of God 6 p.m.
- Thursday, December 18 — Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m.
- Saturday, December 20 — Great Vespers 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, December24 — Eve of Nativity. Vigil for the Feast of Nativity 6 p.m.
- Thursday, December 25 — Nativity of Christ. Hours and Liturgy 9:10 a.m.
- Saturday, December 27 — Great Vespers 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 28 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
See the online calendar for further details.