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
9th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, August 2, 2026
The Transfer of the Relics of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople took place about the year 428.
After the holy Protomartyr Archdeacon Stephen was stoned by the Jews, they left his holy body unburied to be devoured by the beasts and birds. After a day and a night the renowned Jewish teacher of the Law, Gamaliel sent people to take up the body of the Protomartyr. Gamaliel buried him on his own property, in his own tomb, not far from Jerusalem.
When Lord’s secret disciple Νikόdēmos died, Gamaliel also buried him near the grave of Saint Stephen. Afterwards Gamaliel himself, who had been baptized with his son Abibas, was buried near the grave of the Protomartyr Stephen and Saint Νikόdēmos.
In the year 415 the relics of the saint were uncovered in a miraculous manner and solemnly transferred to Jerusalem by Bishop John and the bishops Eutonius of Sebaste and Eleutherius of Jericho. From that time healings took place from the relics.
Afterwards, during the reign of holy Emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450), the relics of the holy Protomartyr Stephen were transferred from Jerusalem to Constantinople and placed in the church of the holy deacon Laurence (August 10). When a church dedicated to the Protomartyr Stephen was built, the relics were transferred there on August 2. Saint Stephen’s right hand is preserved in the Serapionov chamber of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
Scripture readings: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; Matthew 14:22-34
Commemorated feasts and saints: Translation of the Relics of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople (ca. 428), and the finding of the Relics of the Righteous Νikόdēmos, Gamaliel, and Abibas (ca. 428). Blessed Basil of Moscow, Fool-for-Christ (1552). Holy Fool Basil of Kamen (15th c.). Hieromartyr Stephen, Pope of Rome, and those with him (257)
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 oatmeal or any nonperishable items.
We currently have a need in our parish for baby formula. There will be a bin labeled “Baby Formula” on the food rack in the parish hall for baby formula donations. The current need is for a brand called Bub’s Essential; it is in a purple and white can and is a formulation with iron and cow milk–based powder. We currently need only this type. There will also be a picture of the product posted on the bin.
Opportunities for Spiritual Growth
Bible Study
Bible study every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.
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
- Friday, July 31 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Saturday, August 1 — Procession of the Cross. Dormition Fast begins. Hours 9:10 a.m. Divine Liturgy, followed by the Blessing of the Waters 9:30 a.m. Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, August 2 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 5 — Vigil for the Feast of Transfiguration with blessing of grapes and fruit 6 p.m.
- Thursday, August 6 — Transfiguration. Hours 9:10 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday, August 8 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, August 9 — Venerable Herman of Alaska. Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
See the online calendar for further details.