The renovation of our courtyard has begun this week (November 12). As a reminder, the courtyard upgrade will remove the bricks that have become chipped, weathered and wobbly over time. The courtyard will also have some improvements to make it more handicap accessible.  The project will impact the front parking lot (Fairmount Avenue), front courtyard and front entrance to the church on Fairmount Avenue.

During the renovation project, please:
- do not park there in the front parking lot (Fairmount Avenue)
- do not use the walkways in the Courtyard - which means do not use the front gate entrance or front doors to enter or exit the church.All services, meetings and events are taking place as scheduled. You are asked to access the church by using the side entrance (4th Street) only.

Depending on the weather, we anticipate that the project will be completed in 3 weeks. If you have questions, please contact Council President Nadine Sokoluk.

St. Michael's Day Kermesh on Sunday, November 18, 2018

Join us as we celebrate our Patron Feast Day of St. Michael and give thanks for our Orthodox Christian family here in Philadelphia.

Sponsored by St. Michael's Women's Fellowship

Divine Liturgy - 10:00 a.m. followed by meal.

Menu: Baked Hams, Kielbasa + Sauerkraut, Potatoes Deluxe, Macaroni + Cheese, Vegetable, Salad, Various Sides, Wine, Dessert, Coffee and Tea

No advanced tickets required. We hope you can join us.
Adults - $15       Children 6-13 - $7      Children under 6 - free

Divine Liturgy begins at 10 AM on Sunday, September 9th and will be served in the church proper.  At t the end of the Divine Liturgy, there will be a blessing for our students for the new school year. Please make every effort to have all students attend the Divine Liturgy that day.

Schedule of 2018 Supplication Services for Dormition of the Mother of God
Sponsored by Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood
All services will begin at 4:00 p.m.

8/12 Descent of the Holy Spirit Romanian Orthodox Church, 1323 Ashbourne Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027
8/19 St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 6740 N. 5th Street, Phila., PA 19126
8/26 St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, 506 Stahr Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027

Each year, there are more than 900,000 food insecure people in the Greater Philadelphia region. For more than 10 years, St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church has partnered with Philabundance to help combat this epidemic in our community. We are proud to continue that support today and invite you to join us in our efforts. Not only will you be helping a neighbor in need, you will also be entered into a raffle for a basket full of goodies from local and regional businesses. For each non-perishable food item that you bring during the Russian Festival, or for each dollar you donate online, you will receive one ticket to enter. There is no limit to the number of times you can enter. If you donate online, don't forget to bring your receipt. Through the support of people like you, thousands of seniors, children, working families and others will have access to the basic need of affordable and nutritious food. Thank you for your support of this outstanding local organization and of our annual Russian Festival  

Click here to donate online http://phlb.convio.net/goto/Saintmichael 

Join us as the Women’s Fellowship of St. Michael welcomes all for a discussion by the renowned Orthodox Christian Author Khouria Frederica Mathewes-Green on her personal road to Orthodoxy. 

East, West, East: A Personal Spiritual Journey
Or How I became a Christian when I was a Hindu hippie: A story much like St. Paul on the road to Emmaus
Saturday June 16, 2018
At 12:00 Noon

A Free light lunch will follow a question and answer session. Several of Khouria Frederica’s books will be available for purchase or bring your own copy of one of her books to be autographed following lunch. Call or email Matushka Anna (Dianne) Winsky by June 14th with the number of attendees or with questions.  

This Sunday April 29 after the Divine Liturgy Archangel Kino will present the video "Faces Among Icons."  For some more information about the video, click on the link below. The video will be shown in our church after Divine Liturgy.

Bishop John will lead a Paschal Divine Liturgy that will be concelebrated by all of the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA. 
A complimentary festive luncheon in our Church hall will be served by the Women's Fellowship, sponsored by the churches in our Atlantic Deanery.

For photos from the event, please visit https://www.saintmichaelsroc.org/photos.html .

Joining us for servcies this Holy Week?  Parking accommodations have been granted by Philadelphia Parking Authority for Easter 2018.
The hours, days and areas that are covered are as follows:

Friday, April 6th 6 PM - 10PM
Saturday Night, April 7 into Sunday Morning, April 8th 10 PM - 5 AM
Monday, April 9th 9 AM - 2 PM

Following is the list of streets that have been approved for Easter parking accommodations:
- 300-400 Brown St. Both Sides (400 Brown Loading zone will be enforced accordingly)
- 400 Fairmount Ave. Both Sides (300 Fairmount is RPP = Resident Parking Permit and will be enforced accordingly)
- 300-400 Callowhill St. North Side, (South Side is running lane and will be enforced accordingly)
- 300-400 Spring Garden St. North Side
- 400-500 & 700 N. 4th St.- Callowhill St. to Green St. and Fairmount Ave. to Brown St (Green to Fairmount has RPP and will be enforced accordingly)
- 400-500 N. 3rd St. Callowhill St. to Green St. (Green St. to Brown St. has RPP and will be enforced accordingly)

Street Parking: It will be necessary to display conspicuously a church placard prominently on the dashboard of the vehicle to show that you are attending services at St. Michael church. Further warning, that all other parking restrictions (parking too close to the corner; parking in front of a hydrant; etc.) will take precedence over any accommodations granted and will be strictly enforced by both the Authority and by the Police Department. RPP = Residential Permit Parking

Handicap Parking: There are no accommodations for handicap parking on Friday, Saturday/Sunday, and Monday. If you park in those spots you will likely be ticketed.

Church Parking Lots: :We ask you to move as close to other cars as possible to leave room for others and you must display a church placard on the dashboard with your name on it or church ID #.

Parishioners and visitors alike, need a church placard? Please see office or candle desk for assistance.

A free, open to all, multimedia presentation by Alexander Pavuk, Ph.D. on March 25, 2018 at 12:30 pm in our church hall.
Professor Pavuk will discuss the significance of the All-Russian Church Council that was convened one hundred years ago and the historic action of the Council to restore the Patriarchate and to elect then Metropolitan Tikhon as the first Patriarch of Moscow and All-Russia since that office had been abolished by Peter I.  The work accomplished by Patriarch Tikhon against all odds during the early years of the Bolshevik Revolution and ensuing violent repression of the Church will be discussed, as well as his 1989 glorification and the 1992 finding of the relics of St. Tikhon that remained hidden in the Donskoy Monastery after his 1925 martyrdom.

Professor Pavuk is Assistant Professor of History at Morgan State University.
 
All are welcome to attend this Lenten event immediately following the Divine Liturgy on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, March 25.

UPDATE:  Visit our Facebook page the week of March 25 to view a video with most of the presentation.  We have also posted some photos on our website - https://www.saintmichaelsroc.org/photos.html

Vespers at 4:30PM followed by a presentation of St. Matthhew Passion.

We will present a multimedia presentation of the St. Matthew Passion composed by our Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev.  A complete reading (in English) of the Passion Gospel according to St. Matthew will be musically accompanied by symphony orchestra, chorus, and soloists in an Orthodox reading of the well-known J.S. Bach Passion.

This is a wonderful precursor to Holy Week, during which we will hear the full reading of the Twelve Gospels of the Passion on Holy Thursday.  You are encouraged to take advantage of this spiritual experience and to bring family and friends.

Due to the forecasted snow, the Presanctified Gifts Liturgy scheduled for Wednesday March 21 is postponed and will be served on Friday, March 23 at 6:30pm. 
The Canon of St. Andrew of Crete scheduled to be chanted on Thursday March 22 is cancelled. The Canon will be chanted prior to the Presanctified Liturgy on Friday. 
Confessions will be heard before and after the services on Friday. Please contact Fr. Greg if you would like to schedule your confession.

2018 Lenten/Spring Appeal  

Haitian Relief Fund 

Eight years ago, on January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti, resulting in over 220,000 fatalities and displacing hundreds of thousands more.  The 2018 report of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that 1.9 million Haitians are still in need of aid.

St. Michael the Archangel Church believes that being involved in the community and charitable works are central to the life of a Christian community.  Each year we identify and work on several activities including a Lenten (Spring) charity collection to advance our mission.  This year we are supporting the Orthodox community in Haiti.  

Our church is working directly with St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church in Miami, Florida to provide assistance and financial support.  Direct financial support is recognized as one of the most effective forms of assistance and is widely recommended by international donors and NGO relief agencies.  100% of the money raised goes directly and securely to recipients. 

First priority is given to families without shelter, and to those with infants and small children. Your donation is greatly needed and appreciated.  All contributions are welcome and no donation is too small. 

The campaign runs from February 19 through April 8.  Donations can be made in person via check or cash in our church office. Please list Haitian Appeal in subject line or with donation.  At the end of the campaign, we will compile all donations and send to St. Vladimir Church.  Online donations can be made directly at  http://www.saintvladimirmiami.com/donations .  Please note that this website is in Russian and English and a translate button may pop up when you click the link. 

UPDATE:  Thank you to all those who made a donation.  With your generous support, we sent $1,330 to support the church.  

The Sunday School Youth are sponsoring in loving memory of +Miss Tina Monteiro, Sunday School Teacher the 2nd Annual Charity Collection to benefit the the Saved Me Adoption Center at 860 N. 3rd Street in our neighborhood.
Participation by the entire parish is greatly appreciated!
Donations are joyfully accepted now until March 18th Drop off in the church hall.
Items needed for tender, loving care are as follows:
· Laundry Detergent                           Peanut Butter
· Bleach                                              Towels
· Blankets (no pillowcases)                 Cat Litter
· Food & Water Bowls                         Printer Paper
· Collars                                               Leashes
· Dog & Cat Toys                                 Dog & Cat Treats
· Litter Trays                                        Crates & Carriers

Monetary donations are gladly accepted & will go towards helping to sponsor healthy, safe and comfortable living spaces, medical costs, etc. Thank you for your support.
Please contact Mr. Ken or Ms. Nadine with any questions.  

Services begin at 4 PM.  All are welcome. 

• February 25       St. Stephen Cathedral, 8598 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, www.ststephenscathedral.org
• March 4             St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 8210 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082, www.saintgeorgeupperdarby.org
• March 11           St. Vladimir Orthodox Church, 812 Grand Street, Trenton, NJ 08610, http://saintvladimir.org
• March 18           St. Mary Church, 2412 West Third Street, Chester, PA 19013
• March 25           Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church, 2101 South 28th Street (28th & Snyder) Philadelphia, PA 19145, www.holyassumptionphilly.org 

Join us during coffee hour (12 noon) for a screening of  Becoming Truly Human, a documentary that looks at the rise of the “Nones” (those who check “none of the above” on religion surveys). Multiple research groups report that this group has risen from roughly 6% of the U.S. population in the 1990s to 25% as of 2015. To date, little research exists on this growing demographic.

The movie visits the lives of several non religiously affiliated young people in a laid back manner, lets them talk among themselves and explore the reasons why they have become disillusioned with religion. The movie then leads into the conversion of one of these “nones” to Orthodoxy through an intense journey of searching and questioning.

Tuesday, February 27th @ 11:30AM, the 49ers Social Senior Club will enjoy food & fellowship. Share the love  by "wearing your heart on your sleeve" along with red/pink/white! Julianna Sokoluk is available for details.

• Alexandra Monteiro
• Sophia Monteiro

Join us in celebrating Orthodox Christmas. We encourage you to invite family and friends to join us for services as well as the singing of traditional Russian Christmas carols along with well known favorite carols this year. All are welcome.

Our schedule:
Christmas Eve Holy Supper, January 6 at 5:30 PM followed by Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 PM
Christmas Day Divine Liturgy, January 7 at 10:00 AM 
Children’s Christmas Play & Community Caroling at 11:30 AM 

Presentation on Pilgrimage to Mt. Athos will be held during coffee hour.   Subdeacon Peter Winsky will narrate a slide show illustrating the pilgrimage he was blessed to take this fall to the Holy Mountain and answer questions about the monasteries there. Please plan to attend

Update: 

Christmas Eve Meal and Service on January 6 :  Nativity Parish Holy Supper Meal is a fasting (lenten) meal at 5:30 PM in the church hall. Please rsvp with number of attendees & if you are bringing a lenten dish to share (not required) to office@saintmichaelsroc.org by January 1.  All are welcome.  Matins and Compline will be at 7:00 PM.  Thank you.

Once again we are collecting food for Philabundance. Philabundance relies on food drives to bring in much needed non-perishable items that they rarely receive from other donation sources. The items you donate will be sent to over 350 agencies and direct service within our region.  These agencies include shelters, food pantries and after-school feeding programs. The people who rely on these programs are often struggling to feed a family with children.

Join us this Sunday and Tuesday to celebrate St. Nicholas. 

Sunday, December 17 - Special Activity for Children:  All children are encouraged to leave their shoes outside the sanctuary doors.  We hope that they will find a special surprise in them after Divine Liturgy.  Festive socks can be worn.  To learn more about St. Nicholas, go to https://oca.org/saints/lives/2016/12/06/103484-st-nicholas-the-wonderworker-and-archbishop-of-myra-in-lycia .

Tuesday, December 19 - Feast Day of St. Nicholas:  Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10 AM. 

Spread the Christmas spirit and sign on to St. Michael's Annual Christmas card.  The card is printed and handed out on January 7th.  We also mail to our extended family and friends.  The cost is $15 per listing.  Deadline to be included is Sunday. December 31st.  To sign up, please contact Debbie Barth or Barbara Saverino.  

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10 AM.

St. Innocent Orthodox Reading Society will meet for an ongoing discussion of the Divine Liturgy using the book: Orthodox Christianity Volume IV (pp.117-146) on Saturday December 2 at 4pm (just prior to Vespers at 5:30 pm).  All are invited.

Archangel Kino: A presentation of the very new documentary: Becoming Truly Human will be made on Friday evening December 1 at 7pm. This movie presents the issue of the "Nones" the young people who answer poll questions about their religious affiliation as "none." Here is the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEmBnju-518&feature=youtu.be

Everyone who cares about the future of Orthodoxy in America is urged to attend. A group discussion will follow the film

Vespers will be celebrated at 5:30 PM on Saturdays during Advent starting December 2nd.

A moleben will be celebrated on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 23 at 9 AM.  Join us and give thanks to the Lord for all of our blessings.

Our church's patronal feast day will be celebrated with a Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, November 21 at 10 AM.  All are welcome to join us and pray on the day devoted to our Church's patron saint. 

Everyone is invited to attend the discussion meeting, even if you have not done the readings.  You will be amazed to find out a lot more about the Divine Liturgy that you have attended for years.  

We are currently reading Met. Hilarion's newest book, Orthodox Christianity Volume IV. We will concentrate on the Divine Liturgy spanning pages 101-211. For the second meeting (Friday, November 10), try to read from pages 101 through 129 if possible.  

Divine Liturgy will be held this Saturday, October 14 at 9 AM. 

49ers Senior Social Club October meeting will be on Tuesday, October 17th at 11:30 AM in our church hall to enjoy food, fellowship and fun.  Halloween Happiness:  Dress in costume or at least wear a hat or festive t-shirt.  Can't wait to share the fun and creativity.  All are warmly welcomed.  Bring your friends - treat to lunch & enjoy the tricks!  Please contact Julianna Sokoluk for more information.

Join us next weekend for our annual festival. This is our 41st year and we look forward to seeing friends new and old.  This year we are celebrating national pierogi day by adding three new flavors (capusta, cherry and chocolate) to our traditional potato offering.  In addition to traditional ethnic food, we have home-made baked goods, collectibles, religious articles and imported goods, hand-made crafts, folk music and dancing as well as fun activities for all ages.  Visit our Facebook page for updates. 

Friday, October 6        11 am - 4 pm

Saturday, October 7    11 am - 7 pm

Sunday, October 8       Noon - 4 pm 

Join us and celebrate the Elevation of the Holy Cross with Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, September 27th at 10 AM.  

Want to put your online shopping to a good cause?  If you shop online with Amazon, please visit the AmazonSmile section of the website and select St. Michaels's Russian Orthodox Christian Church in Philadelphia, PA as your charitable organization to receive donations.  After you select our church, Amazon donates 0.5% of eligible purchases.  Thank you. 

This Sunday, September 10th at the end of Divine Liturgy there will be a special blessing for all students for the new school year.  Please make every effort to have all students attend Divine Liturgy.

Note:  Divine Liturgy will be at 10 AM.  

This Monday, September 11th is  the feast day of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist and is a day of strict fast.  This day is also Patriot Day and we will offer prayers for the victims of 9/11 during Divine Liturgy.   Services will be held at 10 AM upstairs in the church.  

Orthodox Philadelphia will honor the Virgin Mary with special services on the Sundays in August.  August 20th at Saint Nicholas Serbian church in Elkins Park (concelebrated by their bishop). August 27th.at Saints Peter and Paul church, Wilmington. All of the services will begin at 4 p. M.

Thanks to the Kunasz and Williams families for donating and making most of the food for our recent church picnic as well as the Soklouk and Koscinski family for decorating and proving all of the kid-friendly activities.  We appreciate everyone who helped with cooking, serving and cleaning up…and of course everyone who attended.  Because of all of you, the day was enjoyable.  Thank you

Divine Liturgy will be served at 10 AM on July 12 to celebrate the end of the fast.  

Attend our summer picnic on Sunday, July 23rd after Divine Liturgy.  Enjoy games and food off the grill as well as salads and sides in our courtyard and/or in our air-conditioned hall. Food generously donated by the Kunasz and Williams families. Desserts and beverages provided by Parish Council members.  Reservations appreciated via email at office@saintmichaelsroc.org .  Thank you.

Summer hours begin this Sunday, June 11.  This means that Divine Liturgy will start at 9:30 AM.   Once the weather gets warmer, we will move our summer services downstairs to the air-conditioned Church Hall. Summer hours will end the Sunday after Labor Day on September 10.  Thank you.

Following Diving Liturgy, Father Vincent and Father Gregory will be at Oakland Cemetery to bless graves.  Please note that other times and cemeteries may be arranged by contacting the priests.  If there in inclement weather, an update will be shared.  

Unable to attend service?  We have started to live video stream our Holy Week services on Facebook. Go to our Facebook page to join us remotely. 

The 49ers Senior Social Club will be meeting on Tuesday, April 18th at 11:30 AM in our church hall to enjoy food and fellowship.  Special guest speaker will be appearing for presentation and one-on-one consultation will be available.  For fun:  "April showers, brings May Flowers"...wear your favorite rain gear or floral attire.  All are welcome.  Please contact Julianna Sokoluk for details.  

 Thank you to all who attended, supported and volunteered at last Sunday's dinner.  This event is the Women's Fellowship Annual fundraiser.

Thank you to all who have supported and donated to our 2017 Lenten Mission. The Bethesda Project is a local nonprofit that serves the homeless in Philadelphia.  Under the leadership of our champion, Gail Shast, we have eight boxes of supplies that will be delivered after Easter. 

We will once again be selling luminaries, which we will light around the church on Holy Saturday night.  The candles are to burn for 4-5 hours.

You can buy a luminary "For the health of" or "For the memory of" your loved ones.

Luminaries are $5 each or 6 for $25. If an indoor procession is required due to weather, we will make arrangements to light these luminaries on another occasion in the coming weeks. To purchase your luminaries please see Emily Stine on a Sunday on or before April 9^th.

As we journey through Great Lent, the Greater Philadelphia Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood is presenting the following mission services throughout the region.  All servcies start at 4 PM. 

• Sunday of Orthodox, March 5 at Saints Peter and Paul, 1406 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE
• Sunday of Saint Gregory of Palamas, March 12 at St. Michael's in Philadelphia (Our church)
• Sunday of the Adoration of the Cross, March 19 at Saints Peter and Paul, 9230 Old Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
• Sunday of John the Ladder, March 26 at St. Mark, 452 Durham Road, Wrightstown, PA
• Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt, April 2 at St. Herman of Alaska - Gradyville, 1855 Middletown Road, Glen Mills, PA 

Join us as the Women’s Fellowship of St. Michael welcomes all for a discussion by the renowned Orthodox Christian Author Khouria Frederica Mathewes-Greeno on  her personal road to Orthodoxy. 

East, West, East: A Personal Spiritual Journey
Or How I became a Christian when I was a Hindu hippie: A story much like St. Paul on the road to Emmaus
Saturday June 16, 2018 
12 Noon

A Free light lunch will follow a question and answer session. Several of Khouria Frederica’s books will be available for purchase or bring your own copy of one of her books to be autographed following lunch.
Call or email Matushka Anna (Dianne) Winsky by June 14th with the number in your group or with questions.