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
15th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, September 17, 2023
The Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, September 14, commemorates the finding of Christ’s cross in Jerusalem during the reign of the Emperor Constantine the Great. Through his efforts and those of his mother, the Empress Helen, the Sepulchre of the Lord, and the Life-giving Cross, were discovered and opened for veneration.
Scripture readings: Galatians 2:16-20; Mark 8:34-9:1; 2 Corinthians 4:6-15; Matthew 22:35-46
Commemorated feasts and saints: Afterfeast of the Elevation of the Cross. Sunday after Elevation. Martyr Sophia, and her three daughters: Faith (Vera), Hope (Nadézhda), and Love (Liubóv’, Charity), at Rome (ca. 137). Martyrs Theodota at Nicæa (ca. 230). Martyr Agathocleia (ca. 230). 156 Martyrs of Palestine, including Bishops Peleus and Nilus, the Presbyter Zeno, the Noblemen Patermuthius and Elias, and others (ca. 310).
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
*This is the usual schedule. Check the calendar for changes.
Food Drive
Our ongoing Food Drive has collection stations upstairs in the parish hall on the shelves near the masks. Please bring new, unexpired, non-perishable foods. A list posted on the shelves near the dropoff area upstairs indicates the most-needed items. The food will be donated to Oregon Food Bank or other local food boxes. If you would like to volunteer to help drop off donated food, please speak with Cheri Wilson.
Hymnography of the Orthodox Church
Choir director Tracey Edson will lead discussions about the Octoechos (eight-week musical cycle of the Church) at 4:30 p.m. on the following Saturdays:
- September 30 — Tone 8
- October 21 — Tone 3
- November 11 — Tone 6
- December 2 — Tone 1
- January 13, 2024 — Tone 7
- February 17 — Tone 4
- May 18 — Tone 2
- June 8 — Tone 5
Church School
Church school begins Sunday, September 17.
- Children ages 5-9 meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Atrium
- Children ages 6-12 meet after lunch (noon to 1 p.m.) in the Atrium
- Kids ages 12-14 meet after lunch (noon to 1 p.m.) in the classroom
Opportunities for Spiritual Growth
Inquirers’ Classes
Email Fr. John for information about upcoming inquirers’ classes.
Book Study Group Thursdays at noon (in person)
Fr. John leads a book study group that meets Thursdays at approximately noon. Studying the book Christ in the Psalms.
Introduction to the Short Stories of Chekhov with Irina Bayer
A group of parishioners discuss the short stories of Anton Chekhov one Sunday per month. The discussion begins after services and a bite to eat, around 12:15 p.m.
Bible Study Group Tuesday evenings (in person)
Fr. John also leads an in-person Bible study at 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings.
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
Friday Evening Discussion Group (Zoom)
Please join us at 7 p.m. Fridays to read and discuss the Holy Scriptures and learn about the major Orthodox Saints. On different weeks, we cover chapters from the books of the New and the Old Testaments, and the lives of the Saints. Everyone is welcome to join. To receive a link to the Zoom meeting, please contact Dn. Igor Beskorovaynyy
Meeting schedule: Friday Discussion Group Schedule
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
Upcoming Events
Bishop ALEXEI of Alaska will visit St. Nicholas Thursday, September 14, along with the Sitka Mother of God icon and a relic of St. Herman. Service starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by His Grace.
We’ll host a Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, September 15.
Schedule Highlights
- Tuesday, September 12 — Bible study 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 13 — Vigil for the Feast of the Holy Cross 6 p.m.
- Thursday, September 14 — Exaltation of the Cross. Hours 9:10 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Evening Akathist and Presentation by His Grace Bishop Alexander. No book study today.
- Friday, September 15 — Red Cross Blood Drive noon to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, September 16 — Great Vespers and confessions 6 p.m.
- Sunday, September 17 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, September 19 — Bible study 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 20 — Akathist to the Mother of God Healer of Cancer 6 p.m.
- Thursday, September 21 — Hours 9:10 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Book study 11:30 a.m.
- Saturday, September 23 — Great Vespers and confessions 6 p.m.
- Sunday, September 24 — New Martyrs of Alaska. Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
See the online calendar for further details.
