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
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, March 22, 2026
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).
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 beans in bags or cans 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.
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, March 18 — Pan-Orthodox Presanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten meal, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan St., Portland
- Friday, March 20 —Presanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten potluck, 6 p.m.
- Saturday, March 21 — Parish cleanup day 10 a.m. Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, March 22 — St. John Climacus (the Ladder) — Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
- Monday, March 23 — Matins with Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete with the Life of St. Mary of Egypt 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 24 — Vigil for the Feast of Annunciation 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 25 — Feast of Annunciation. Hierarchical Vesperal Divine Liturgy, followed by meal, at Church of the Annunciation, 13515 SE Rusk Rd., Milwaukie, 6 p.m.
- Friday, March 27 — Presanctified Liturgy followed by Lenten potluck 6 p.m.
- Saturday, March 28 — Great Vespers 6 p.m.
- Sunday, March 29 — St. Mary of Egypt. Matins 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
See the online calendar for further details.