NATIVITY OF THE HOLY VIRGIN RUSSIAN

ORTHODOX CHURCH
JACKSON, NEW JERSEY

FEBRUARY 2018 NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER SPONSOR:
MR. JOSEPH CHVASTA

GLORY BE TO JESUS CHRIST!

GLORY BE FOREVER!

BEGINNING OF GREAT FAST: On Monday February 19th

Orthodox Christians are called to begin the Great Fast. This is a
time of prayer, fasting, and alms giving in preparation for the
Great Feast of Feasts, Holy Pascha, which will be celebrated this
year on Sunday, April 8th. Please make an effort during this time
to approach the sacrament of Penance and then receive the Body
and Blood of Our Lord in Holy Communion. As Orthodox
Christians we are obligated to go to confession during this season
of Great Lent.
MEMORIAL SATURDAYS: The First of the Memorial Saturdays
will be held this month on Saturday, February 10th. If you would
like to add names to the church rolls, please see Matushka
Ludmila at the candle desk. During the Holy Season of Great Lent
there will be the following Saturday’s, March 3rd, 10th and 17th
dedicated to the souls of the faithful who have departed this life.
BLINI LUNCHEON: On Sunday, February 11th everyone is
invited to the Parish Home for lunch. The menu for the day will be
delicious Blini. Will you be there to enjoy these beautifully
prepared Blini! If you can’t be there see Matushka Ludmila at the
candle desk to make a donation to help defray the cost of making
the Blini! This will be our last fundraiser until the Sunday of
Pascha.
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING: The Annual Parish Meeting of
Saint Mary’s Parish will be held on Sunday, February 25th. All
Parish Members who have paid their dues are eligible to attend
this meeting which will be held after the Divine Liturgy in the
Parish Hall.
FEAST DAYS IN FEBRUARY:
THURSDAY: FEBRUARY 15th: Meeting of the Lord in the
Temple: Divine Liturgy at 10 AM followed by the Blessing of
Candles.
GENERAL CONFESSION will be held this month on the first
Sunday of the month February 4th. This will be the last service of
General Confession until after Pascha. So please make an effort to
come to this service!
HOLY WATER: Please stop at the candle desk and pick up your
bottle of Blessed Holy Water from the feast of Theophany. You
can take this home and drink it for good health or sanctify your
home.
CALENDARS FOR 2018: Please be advised that Calendars for
2018 are available at the candle desk. Please pick one up today on
your way out of church. Thank You to our Calendar Sponsors for
sponsoring them this year! We are grateful for your continued
support for our church.
PARISH DUES: Please make sure your financial obligations have
been updated for 2017. Dues for 2017 will remain the same. Dues
cost only $175.00 for the year. If you owe for 2017 please see
Matushka Ludmila at the candle desk.
CHOIR MEMBERS NEEDED: We are also in need of new choir
members. Don’t be afraid to walk up the stairs to the choir loft
and lend your voice to sing the responses of the Divine Liturgy. All
are welcome! No experience necessary.
EPISTLE READERS: Are you interested in learning how to chant
the Epistle in English. We would like to begin a class with anyone
who might be interested. Please see Protodeacon John if
interested. No experience necessary.
CHURCH OFFICERS ARE NEEDED: As we begin the New Year
2018 our Parish Council is in need of Church Officers. What
better way than to give your time and talents by serving on the
Church Council. Please see Father John Prokopiuk if you are
interested in serving on the Parish Council. No experience is
required.
HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS IN NEED OF A RIDE TO
CHURCH: If you are interested in providing transportation to
church to a homebound parishioner on Sundays please see Father
John Prokopiuk to offer your services. We have faithful
parishioners who are homebound now that came to church every
Sunday and holyday. If you can pick them up and bring them
home on a Sunday it would greatly be appreciated.
SOME ITEMS OF NECESSITY THAT ARE NEEDED FOR
THE NEW YEAR:
CHURCH INCENSE: $250.00
SACRAMENTAL WINE: $350.00
LIQUID PARAFFIN LAMP OIL: $400.00
CHARCOAL: $250.00
CANDLES: With the rising cost of candles we ask that if anyone
would like to donate towards the purchase of our candles, please
see Matushka Ludmila at the candle desk.
HEAT FOR WINTER: Donations always accepted during winter
months.
ELECTRICITY COSTS: Donations accepted all year for
electricity.
PRINTING COSTS: Each year we send out letters for our Pascha
and Christmas Donations. If you would like to contribute money
towards printing costs please see Matushka Ludmila at the candle
desk.
NEW GOLD VESTMENTS: If you would like to donate towards
the purchase of new gold clergy vestments, in memory of a loved
one, we would greatly appreciate it. Our gold vestments are frayed
and tattered and in need of replacing.