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
33rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, January 25, 2026
Zacchaeus Sunday. The paschal season of the Church is preceded by the season of Great Lent, which is also preceded by its own liturgical preparation. The first sign of the approach of Great Lent comes five Sundays before its beginning. On this Sunday the Gospel reading is about Zacchaeus the tax-collector. It tells how Christ brought salvation to the sinful man, and how his life was changed simply because he “sought to see who Jesus was” (Luke 19:3). The desire and effort to see Jesus begins the entire movement through Lent towards Pascha. It is the first movement of salvation.
Zacchaeus was short, so he climbed a tree in order to see the Lord. All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). We are also short in our spiritual stature, therefore we must climb the ladder of the virtues. In other words, we must prepare for spiritual effort and growth.
Scripture readings: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; John 10:9-16; 1 Timothy 4:9-15; Luke 19:1-10
Commemorated feasts and saints: Sunday of Zacchaeus. New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia. St. Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople (389). St. Moses, Archbishop of Novgorod (1362). Martyrs Felicitas of Rome, and seven sons: Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silvanus, Alexander, Vitalis and Martial (ca. 164). Ven. Publius, Ascetic, of Syria (ca. 380). St. Mares the Singer, of Syria (ca. 430). Icons of the Mother of God, “ASSUAGE MY SORROW” (translation to Moscow in 1640), and “THE UNEXPECTED JOY”. Saint Vetranion of Tomis (4th c.).
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 canned fruit 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, January 21 — Akathist to the Theotokos 6 p.m.
- Thursday, January 22 — Hours 9:10 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday, January 24 — Inquirers’ class 4 p.m. Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, January 25 — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, January 28 — Vespers 6 p.m.
- Thursday, January 29 — Hours 9:10 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:30 a.m.
- Saturday, January 31 — Inquirers’ Class 4 p.m. Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, February 1 — Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee. Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Vigil for the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple 5 p.m.
- Monday, February 2 — Meeting of the Lord in the Temple. Hours 9:10 a.m. Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
See the online calendar for further details.