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
7th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, July 19, 2026
On the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, we commemorate the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils.
The Orthodox Church acknowledges Seven Holy Ecumenical Councils:
The First Ecumenical Council (Nicea I) (May 29, and also on seventh Sunday after Pascha) was convened in the year 325 against the heresy of Arius, in the city of Nicea in Bithynia under Saint Constantine the Great, Equal of the Apostles.
The Second Ecumenical Council (Constantinople I) (May 22) was convened in the year 381 against the heresy of Macedonias, by the emperor Theodosius the Great.
The Third Ecumenical Council (Ephesus) (September 9) was convened in the year 431 against the heresy of Nestorius, in the city of Ephesus by the emperor Theodosius the Younger.
The Fourth Ecumenical Council (Chalcedon) (July 16) was convened in the year 451, against the Monophysite heresy, in the city of Chalcedon under the emperor Marcian.
The Fifth Ecumenical Council (Constantinople II) (July 25) “Concerning the Three Chapters,” was convened in the year 553, under the emperor Justinian the Great.
The Sixth Ecumenical Council (Constantinople III) (January 23) met during the years 680-681, to fight the Monothelite heresy, under the emperor Constantine Pogonatos.
The fact that the Seventh Ecumenical Council (Nicea II) is not commemorated today testifies to the antiquity of today’s celebration. The Seventh Council, commemorated on the Sunday nearest to October 11, was convened at Nicea in the year 787 against the Iconoclast heresy, under the emperor Constantine and his mother Irene.
The Church venerates the Holy Fathers of the Ecumenical Councils because Christ has established them as “lights upon the earth,” guiding us to the true Faith. “Clad in the garment of truth,” the doctrine of the Fathers, based upon the preaching of the Apostles, has established one faith for the Church. The Ecumenical Councils, are the highest authority in the Church. Such Councils, guided by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and accepted by the Church, are infallible.
Scripture readings: Galatians 5:22-6:2; Luke 6:17-23; Hebrews 13:7-16; John 17:1-13; Romans 15:1-7; Matthew 9:27-35
Commemorated feasts and saints:Uncovering of the Relics of Ven. Seraphim of Sarov (1903). Fathers of the 1st Six Ecumenical Councils. St. Theodore of Edessa, Mesopotamia (848). Ven. Macrina, sister of St. Basil the Great (380). Ven. Dius, Abbot, of Antioch (ca. 430). Rt. Blv. Román, Prince of Riazan’ (1270). Ven. Paísii of the Kiev Caves (Far Caves—14th c.). Bl. Stephen (1427), King of Serbia, and his mother, St. Militsa (1405).
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
- Saturday, July 18 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, July 19 — Hours 9:10 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday, July 25 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, July 26 — Hours 9:10 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
See the online calendar for further details.