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. John Climacus

4th SUNDAY OF LENT, March 30, 2025

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is dedicated to Saint John Klimakos, the author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent. In this book the Igoumen of Saint Katherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai bears witness to the great effort which is required for entry into God’s Kingdom (Matthew 10:12). The spiritual struggle of the Christian life is difficult since it is “not against flesh and blood, but against … the rulers of the present darkness … the hosts of wickedness in heavenly places …” (Ephesians 6:12). Saint John encourages the faithful in their efforts for, as the Lord has said, only “he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

Scripture readings: Ephesians 5:9-19; Matthew 4:25-5:12; Hebrews 6:13-20; Mark 9:17-31

Commemorated feasts and saints: St. John Climacus (of The Ladder). St. Sophróny (Sophronius), Bishop of Irkutsk (1771). Prophet Joad (1 Kings 13:11—10th c. B.C.). Apostles Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Cæsar, and Epaphroditus, of the Seventy (1st c.). St. Eubula, mother of St. Panteleimon (ca. 303). Ven. John the Silent of St. Savva Monastery (6th c.). St. Zosimas, Bishop of Syracuse (ca. 662).

St. Nicholas hosted a Pan-Orthodox Lenten featuring Fr. Maximos Constas (center), speaking on the theme “The Philokalia and the Prayer of the Heart.” Other clergy in photo are (left to right) Dn. Alexander Ivkin from Holy Apostles (OCA), Vancouver; Fr. John Karcher, St. Nicholas, Portland; Fr. Maximos; Dn. Steven Bambakidis from St. George Antiochian, Portland; Fr. Michael Rozdilski, from Holy Apostles in Vancouver. See more images of the event.

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.

Bible Study

Bible study every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.

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 flour and sugar.

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Diocesan Lenten Charity Appeal

His Eminence Archbishop BENJAMIN has designated the 2025 Lenten Appeal for the Diocese of Alaska and asked that all parishes of the Diocese of the West participate. For the last few years, we have been alternating between the Diocese of Alaska and the Diocese of Mexico in our Lenten Appeal. Their needs are very great.

For last year’s appeal, our parish raised around $15,000 for the Diocese of Mexico. Thank you for your generosity!

Inquirers’ Class

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

Morning 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

Monday, March 24 — Vigil for Annunciation 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 25 — Feast of the Annunciation. Vesperal Liturgy at Eastern Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 13515 SE Ruck Rd. Milwaukie 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 26 — Presanctified Liturgy 9:40 a.m.
Friday, March 28 — Presanctified Liturgy followed by potluck soup supper 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 29 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 30 — St. John Climacus. Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 2 — Presanctified Liturgy 9:40 a.m. Matins iht the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete with the Life of St. Mary of Egypt 6 p.m.
Friday, April 4 — Presanctified Liturgy followed by potluck soup supper 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 5 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 6 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.