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Dear Fathers, brothers and sisters!
The time for spiritual celebration has approached - the Church invites us to enter the Holy Days, beginning with the feast of the Nativity of Christ and concluding with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. The sacred events of the Gospel narrative remembered by the Church unite us with a common joy of the coming into the world of Christ the Savior and a common hope for deliverance of mankind from sin and eternal death.
This past year has become for all of us a year of unexpected trials, including stressful concerns regarding the health of our relatives, friends and acquaintances, restrictions in the celebration of divine services, and the inability to share the joy of common prayer, and much, much more.
I sincerely thank the clergy and parishioners of the Diocese of Sourozh, the Patriarchal parishes in the USA, Canada and Mexico for their selfless fulfillment of their assigned obedience’s, for their responsible and careful approach to the observance of all the instructions prescribed by His Holiness, the Patriarch, and the demonstration of civic consciousness with the implementation of the decisions of the local authorities. This was an example of Christian love for one's neighbor. By deed and word, support was provided to those who required special attention and care.
I pray with you that the coming New Year will be marked by the long-awaited deliverance from the destructive epidemic and filled with peace and prosperity. I believe that the All-Merciful Lord, who has manifested His goodness to the human race many times and in many ways, will visit all those who have faith in Him and renew our spiritual and physical strength.
I wholeheartedly congratulate all of you, dear Fathers, brothers and sisters, with the birth of our Lord and Savior and prayerfully wish all of you good health and spiritual joy and call your attention to the words of the Apostle Paul: “Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times” (Rom. 12: 11-12).
I invoke the blessing of God on all of you.
With love in our newborn Christ,
+Matthew
Bishop of Sourozh
Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes
in the USA & Canada
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The people who walk in spiritual darkness will see a great Light; Those who live in the dark land, The Light will shine on them. (Isaiah 9:2)
Dear in the Lord, Reverend Fathers, Brothers & Sisters!
Christ is Born! С Рождеством Христовым!
Very soon we will celebrate the entry of the pre-eternal God into time and history of humanity. We marvel at the humility of the God who comes to Bethlehem to be born in a cave. We all should stand in awe of the Creator who is coming forth from the Virgin's womb, not to accuse or condemn a sinful world that trembles in a darkness, but to bind up its wounds and to show it love and compassion.
The life of baby Jesus began in a community that was uncertain, and was marked by fear, change and suffering. God didn't come in a time of peace and prosperity but a time of difficulty and despair. In a time of uncertainty, God is the only certainty of this world. His Eternal love for mankind, can help us to have hope and peace and even joy.
We all should look forward towards the Nativity of Christ this year because we need this holy time to remind us all that IN JESUS, GOD IS WITH US!
I pray that our Almighty God will send His blessing upon you and your families and bring the Light of healing that can dispel every darkness to this troubled and tumultuous world.
With Love in the Newborn Christ,
Archpriest George Konyev
Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA
Nativity of Christ 2020/2021
CHRIST IS BORN! ~ Христос рождается!
As we begin the Nativity week of services, the clergy of St. Michael the Archangel parish would like to take this opportunity to joyously greet you with the Great and Holy Feast of Christ's Nativity. Wishing you a prayerful, healthy and peaceful Nativity season. May Christ be born anew in each and every one of us!
With Love, Yours In Christ,
Father Luka
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At this time of year, as we begin buying gifts for our friends and family, this is a reminder that if you purchase items from Amazon, St. Michael's could benefit from your purchases, this holiday season. When you shop online, remember to choose our church [St. Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia], as your charitable organization recipient, in order for our church to benefit from the charitable donation program at Amazon. Every purchase made through smile.amazon.com helps the church, by receiving a percentage of your purchase in donation made by Amazon. To sign up or participate go to smile.amazon.com . Everyone is welcome! Ask your family and friends if they shop Amazon. If they do, they too, can help support the church. Share the information, please, and in this way St. Michael's will benefit, this holiday season as well as throughout the whole year.
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Eminent archpastors, reverend fathers, all-honorable monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters:
CHRIST IS RISEN!
By the grace of the All-Merciful God, we have been vouchsafed to arrive at the radiant Paschal night, and once again rejoice in the glorious Resurrection of Christ. I sincerely greet all of you, my dear ones, with this great feast and "festival of festivals."
Almost two thousand years separate us from the event we recall today. And yet, every year with unfailing spiritual awe, the Church celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord, tirelessly bearing witness to the exceptional nature of what occurred in the burial cave by the walls of ancient Jerusalem.
The whole earthly path of the Son of God – from His miraculous Incarnation to His Passion and terrible death on the Cross – is the fulfillment of the Maker’s promise, once given to our forefathers. God promised to send into the world the One Who "hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4) and Who "shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The Lord affirmed this promise through His prophets many times, He remained true to this vow even when the chosen people rejected the covenant and violated the will of the Creator.
It is, then, in the Resurrection of Christ that God’s love is revealed in its fullness, for death has finally been vanquished – the last boundary separating man from the true Fount of life. And although death continues to exist in the physical sense and takes away our human bodies, it no longer has the power to destroy our souls, that is to say, to deny us life everlasting in communion with the Maker. Death has been defeated and its sting has been removed (cf. I Cor. 15:55). The Lord has "led captivity captive" (Eph. 4:8) and cast down Hades. "With God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37), for truly "He is risen, as He said" (Matthew 28:6)!
This year, the peoples of the world face extraordinary ordeals. A baneful epidemic has spread throughout the whole world and has come to our lands, as well. The authorities have introduced restrictions in order to avert a rapid spread of the epidemic. In some countries of the Moscow Patriarchate’s pastoral responsibility, public worship, including the celebration of Divine Liturgy, has been suspended. However, we Orthodox Christians are not to be despondent or to despair in these difficult circumstances; even more so, we should not surrender to panic. We are called upon to preserve our inner peace and recall the words of the Savior spoken on the eve of His redemptive Passion: "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Pascha has become for all of humanity the transition from enslavement to sin to the freedom of the Kingdom of Heaven, "the glorious liberty of the children of God" (Rm. 8:21). It is only thanks to the Savior’s Resurrection that we obtain the true freedom of which the all-praised Apostle Paul speaks, calling upon us to "stand fast… in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free" (Gal. 5:1). How many times have we read or heard these words? Now let us consider: do we live today as though Christ’s Resurrection never happened? Are we not in danger of exchanging the riches of eternity for never-ending worldly concerns, once more being held captive to the vanity of this world, surrendering to transient fears and forgetting the incorrupt spiritual treasures and true calling of the Christian to "serve [the Lord] in holiness and righteousness before Him" (Luke 1:75)?
And yet, "pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this" (James 1:27): to treat each other with love and patience, to help and support one another in tribulations, following the example of the Good Shepherd shown to us in the Gospel. No outward restrictions should ever tear apart our unity and take away from us the true spiritual freedom which we have obtained through knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who has conquered death and granted to us the opportunity to "be called [and to be] the sons of God" (I John 3:1).
All of the faithful children of the Church are of "one heart and one soul" (Acts 4:32), for apart we are but members, while together we are the Body of Christ and nothing in all creation "shall be able to separate us from the love of God" (Rm. 8:39). Therefore, let those who today are unable for reasons of circumstance to come to church and pray, know that they are being remembered and prayed for. Faith grants to us the strength to live and overcome with God’s help all sorts of infirmities and tribulations, including that which has become a part of our lives through the spread of this dangerous virus.
I fervently call upon all of you, my dear ones, to augment your common prayer to the Lord, so that we may, in spite of all hardships, remain partakers of the grace-filled liturgical life of the Church, so that the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist may be celebrated and the faithful may with boldness draw near to the Fount of Life which are the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and so that the sick may receive healing and the healthy be protected from this dangerous infection.
We believe that the Risen Savior will never forsake us, and that He will send down upon us the resolve and courage to stand steadfastly in faith and to walk our salvific earthly path to life everlasting.
I sincerely congratulate all of you, my beloved brothers and sisters, on the radiant feast of Holy Pascha, and call upon you to always be the image of the Savior’s true disciples in setting a good example to the people around you, and in proclaiming the mighty acts of the One "Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light" (I Peter 2:9), so that all the days of our life we may through our deeds testify to the unsurpassed power and truth of the Paschal greeting:
TRULY CHRIST IS RISEN!
+KYRILL
Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia
Pascha 2020 A.D.
Moscow
Thou didst give a pledge of the general resurrection before Thy Passion, O Christ our God, by raising Lazarus from the dead. Therefore, we too, like the children, carry the symbols of victory and cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the Heights! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.
On the throne in heaven and riding a colt on earth, O Christ our God, Thou didst receive the praise of Angels and the chorus of the children who cried to Thee: Blessed art Thou Who comest to recall Adam.
Services Continue as Scheduled - PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS NO LONGER CURRENT. FOR UPDATES, PLEASE GO TO OUR CORONAVIRUS-COVID PAGE .
- Our church is gathering as per normal at this time.
- If you or your family member are feeling unwell please stay home and rest, seek medical attention and do not attend any church services or gatherings.
- If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, you should have already received medical attention and been instructed to be in home isolation. Regardless of whether you have, please do not attend.
- We are monitoring the situation regularly and are following the advice given by relevant health authorities.
- There will be hand sanitizer and hard surfaces will be wiped down regularly.
- In addition, we ask that you please practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands with either soap or hand sanitizer and by using good cough/sneeze etiquette. We also request that you maintain social distancing (6 feet) from fellow parishioners.
- Bishop Matthew of Sourozh has posted a statement about the Coronavirus, https://mospatusa.com/news_200312_3
- Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe statement, https://orthodox-europe.org/2020/03/05/coronavirus-message/
Fr. Luka installed the 2020 Parish Council after Divine Liturgy on February 2. The members of Council were elected at the Annual Meeting on January 26.
Saturday, February 15th: Great Feast of Meeting of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple Feast Divine Liturgy 10 AM
Great Feast of Theophany Eve is Saturday, January 18th Divine Liturgy 10AM with Blessing of Water.
Feast is Sunday, January 19th Divine Liturgy 10AM with Blessing of Water followed by Women's Fellowship Coffee Hour Fundraiser. No Reservations Required.
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom!
These stirring words of the hymn teach us that the Nativity of Our Savior is a time to rejoice, for, with His miraculous birth from a Virgin’s womb, a brilliant light finally has illuminated the darkness of a world tainted for centuries by the fall of man in the Garden. The Sun of Righteous and the Orient from on High!
And for us, the Orthodox Christians living in this God-protected land of America, that light shines brightly at this time of the year as we are twice blessed: Sharing the joy that that light brings to our friends and extended families on that day of Peace on Earth in December and then focusing our prayers, without the distractions of that world, on the Eve and Feast of Christ’s Nativity.
Father Luka
Christ is born! Glorify Him! Христос Рождается! Славите Егo!
January 6, Nativity Eve Vigil: Compline followed by Matins will begin at 7:15 pm preceded by Holy Supper/Shared Meal at 6:00 pm
January 7, Nativity, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7 th 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
On Sunday September 22nd the Archpriest Luka Novakovic was the Chief Celebrant of his first Divine Liturgy as Rector of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Philadelphia. His co-celebrant was the recently retired Father Gregory Winsky, and Father Deacon Michael Ardan. After Divine Liturgy a wonderful celebratory Luncheon was prepared by the Women's Fellowship of the Parish to welcome Father Luka, and to celebrate Father Winsky's 35 years of service to the St. Michaels parish.
- Sunday, September 15th - Fr. Gregory will serve Divine Liturgy as usual.
- Saturday, September 21st - Divine Liturgy to formally introduce Fr. Luka. This is the feast day of the Nativity of the Theotokos.
- Sunday, September 22nd - Fr. Luka will lead Divine Liturgy with Fr. Gregory co-celebrating.
- Acknowledgement of Father Gregory's service to our parish and a fond farewell will be marked as well as a warm welcome extended to Father Luka Novakovic during coffee hour.
- From this day, Fr. Luka will assume the responsibilities of rector.
- Open and close the church on Sundays and Feast Days as needed. Perform assigned tasks during the period.
- Open and close church for special services, including funerals, weddings and baptisms as needed. Assigned tasks include: coordinate funeral director arrivals with pastor, schedule to receive flowers for funerals and weddings. Tidy up church after funerals and weddings.
- Assist the priest in Baptism preparation.
- Snow removal. Clear and salt sidewalks when light snow falls for which there is no third party contractor. After third party snow removal, salt sidewalks, if needed, prior to scheduled church services.
- Perform light maintenance/repairs of church and Sunday School with approval of Property Committee.
- Report maintenance issues to Parish Council President or Property Committee.
- Open and close the church for vendors contracted to perform maintenance services.
- If appropriate, assist the Priest in maintaining the Altar area of the church.
Compensation: $15 per hour paid monthly.
St. Michael the Archangel parish is celebrating our 110th anniversary this year and we want you to be part of it. Please be sure to visit our website and/or see the Sunday Bulletin for updates. For more information and/or to be involved, contact Fr. Gregory, Nadine Sokoluk or Barbara Saverino.
110th Anniversary Events
- May 5, 2019 - St. Thomas Sunday at Oakland Cemetery blessing of graves will begin with a service at the grave of the departed Archpriest Vincent after Divine Liturgy
- June 9, 2019 - Philadelphia Phillies versus Cincinnati Reds game at 1:05 PM at Citizens Bank Park. Join our group and contact Barbara Saverino regarding payment and reservation
- July 21, 2019 - Family picnic after Divine Liturgy on church grounds
- September 29, 2019 Presentation and Discussion on Repentance and the Sacrament of Confession
- October 4-6, 2019 - Festival. Contact Melaney Candelori-Bedard for more information and to get involved
- November 17, 2019 - Patronal Feastday Celebration Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers
- December 22, 2019 - Moleben of Thanksgiving and Panykida for St. Michael the Archangel Parish Founders
2019 Service Schedule: Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Pascha, and Bright Week
April 20 – Lazarus Saturday 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy
April 21 – Palm Sunday 9:30 AM Blessing of Pussy Willows, 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy followed by Palm Sunday Luncheon
April 24 – Holy Wednesday 6:30 PM Holy Unction Service
April 25 – Holy Thursday 10:00 AM Vesperal Liturgy, 6:30 PM Matins of Holy Friday (Twelve Gospels)
April 26 – Holy Friday 2:00 PM Vespers, 7:00 PM Matins of Holy Saturday
April 27 – Holy Saturday
- 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Grave Vigil (Readings from the Acts of the Apostles)
- 10:00 AM Vesperal Liturgy followed by blessing of Paschal foods
- 11:15 PM Nocturn
- 11:45 PM Paschal Procession
April 28 – Pascha Midnight Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy followed by blessing of Paschal foods
April 29 – Bright Monday 10:00 AM Paschal Divine Liturgy, Procession, and “Egg-cellent kids’ activity”
May 4 – Bright Saturday 9:30 AM Hierarchal Paschal Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, Baltimore, Maryland
May 5 – St. Thomas Sunday 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy followed by blessing of graves at Oakland Cemetery starting with a service at the grave of the departed Archpriest Vincent of blessed memory
March 2019
17 Sunday First Sunday of Lent, Orthodoxy Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10 AM, Procession of Icons, Panykhida, Pan-Orthodox Mission Vespers at St. Michael Church in Wilmington, DE at 4 PM
20 Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy at 6:30 PM and potluck Lenten meal to follow
24 Sunday Second Sunday of Lent, St. Gregory Palamas, Divine Liturgy at 10 AM, Pan-Orthodox Mission Vespers at Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit in Elkins Park, PA at 4 PM
27 Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy at 6:30 PM and potluck Lenten meal to follow
31 Sunday Third Sunday of Lent, Adoration of Cross, Divine Liturgy at 10 AM, Panykhida for Fr. Vincent, Pan-Orthodox Mission Vespers at St George Church in Upper Darby at 4 PM
April 2019
3 Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy at 6:30 PM and potluck Lenten meal to follow
7 Sunday Feast of Annunciation, Fourth Sunday of Lent, St. John Climacus (the Ladder) Divine Liturgy at 10 AM, Holy Unction, Pan-Orthodox Mission Vespers at Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church in Philadelphia at 4 PM
10 Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy at 6:30 PM and potluck Lenten meal to follow
11 Thursday Canon of St. Andrew of Crete at 6:30 PM
14 Sunday Fifth Sunday, St. Mary of Egypt, Divine Liturgy at 10 AM, Pan-Orthodox Mission Vesper at Mother of God Church in Feasterville, PA at 4 PM
17 Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy at 6:30 PM and potluck Lenten meal to follow
20 Saturday Lazarus Saturday, Divine Liturgy at 10 AM – Remembering Departed
21 Sunday Sixth Sunday, Palm Sunday, Blessing of Palms/Pussywillows at 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy at 10 AM, Panykhida, Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon
24 Wednesday Holy Unction at 6:30 PM (bring olive oil to be blessed for use at home)
25 Thursday Holy Thursday, Vesperal Liturgy 10 AM, Reading of the Twelve Gospels 6:30 PM
26 Friday Holy Friday Vespers at 2 PM and Great Friday Matins at 7 PM
27 Saturday Holy Saturday, Vesperal Liturgy at 10 AM, Paschal Nocturn at 11:15 PM, Procession 11:45 PM, Midnight Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy followed by blessing Paschal Foods
29 Monday Bright Monday, Divine Liturgy at 10 AM, Paschal Foods Coffee Hour, Kids egg hunt
May 2019
4 Saturday Bright Saturday, Hierarchal Paschal Liturgy at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, Baltimore Maryland
5 Sunday St. Thomas Sunday, Divine Liturgy at 10 AM, Holy Unction, Oakland Cemetery blessing of graves will begin with a service at the grave of the departed Archpriest Vincent
12 Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10 AM, Mother’s Day Coffee Hour sponsored by Sunday School
19 Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10 AM
26 Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10 AM
Upcoming Holy Days and Church Events 2019
- June 6 Ascension of Our Lord, Divine Liturgy at 10 AM
- June 16 Sunday Pentecost, Divine Liturgy at 9:30 AM, Ethnic/Multi-Cultural Covered Dish Coffee
- Hour & Father’s Day Luncheon by Parish Youth
- June 17 Monday Holy Spirit Day, Divine Liturgy 10 AM
- October 4-6 Annual Russian Festival
- November 17 Kermesh Luncheon Celebrating 110th Year of Our Parish after Divine Liturgy
Here is the listing for 2019:
March 17 Orthodoxy Sunday, St. Michael Church, 2300 East Huntingdon Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808 at 4 PM
March 24 Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas, Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, 1324 Ashbourne Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 at 4 PM
March 31 Sunday of the Precious Cross, St. George Church, 8210 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082 at 4 PM
April 7 Sunday of St. John Climacus, Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church, 2101 South 28th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19145 at 4PM
April 14 Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt, Mother of God Church, 412 Philmont Avenue, Feasterville, PA 19053 at 4 PM
This Saturday, March 2, is a Soul Saturday; a panykhida will be served at 4:30 pm. Prior to that service, the St. Innocent Orthodox Reading Society will meet at 3 pm to finish our discussion of the book "Repentance and Confession." All are welcome to attend the discussion.
January 6, Nativity Eve Vigil: Compline followed by Matins will begin at 6:30pm on January 6 preceded by Holy Supper at 5:00pm.
January 7, Nativity, Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom!
These stirring words of the hymn teach us that the Nativity of Our Savior is a time to rejoice, for, with His miraculous birth from a Virgin’s womb, a brilliant light finally has illuminated the darkness of a world tainted for centuries by the fall of man in the Garden. The Sun of Righteous and the Orient from on High! And for us, the Orthodox Christians living in this God-protected land of America, that light shines brightly at this time of the year as we are twice blessed: Sharing the joy that that light brings to our friends and extended families on that day of Peace on Earth in December and then focusing our prayers, without the distractions of that world, on the Eve and Feast of Christ’s Nativity.
Christ is born! Glorify Him! Христос Рождается! Славите Егo!
Fr. Gregory
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
Memory Eternal Archpriest Vincent Saverino who fell asleep in the Lord on September 20. To view a recap of the ceremony please visit https://mospatusa.com/news_180925_3.html .
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/Sa
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.
(Website for the movie)
https://www.becomingtrulyhuman.com
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
January 19 Friday Theophany
February 15 Thursday Meeting of Our Lord
April 5 Thursday Great Thursday (Vesper Liturgy)
April 9 Monday Bright Monday
May 17 Thursday Ascension
May 28 Monday Holy Spirit Day
July 12 Thursday St. Peter and St. Paul Day
August 28 Tuesday Dormition
September 11 Tuesday Beheading
September 21 Friday Nativity of the Theotokos
September 27 Thursday Elevation of the Holy Cross
November 21 Wednesday Patronal Feastday Synaxis of St. Michael
December 4 Tuesday Entry into the Temple
December 19 Wednesday St. Nicholas Day
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:
http://www.hvmla.org/en/53-special-news.html#mainmenuor click here (the page lists the days with the final day of the pilgrimage first - scroll down to find day 1 of the pilgrimage)
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 9th.
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.
Join us and celebrate the birth of Christ. You can participate online (Facebook streaming) as well as in-person while following the COVID-19 safety precautions and contacting the office to make a reservation.
- Wednesday, January 6th Eve of Nativity of Christ , Vigil (Great Compline followed by Matins) 7PM
- Thursday, January 7th Great Feast of Nativity of Christ, 10AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours, prior
- Saturday, January 9th Vespers 6PM
- Sunday, January 10th 10AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours, prior
- Wednesday, January 13th Vespers 6PM,
- Thursday, January 14th Feast of Circumcision of Christ, St. Basil, 10AM Divine Liturgy, Reading of Hours, prior
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Dear Fathers, brothers and sisters!
The time for spiritual celebration has approached - the Church invites us to enter the Holy Days, beginning with the feast of the Nativity of Christ and concluding with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. The sacred events of the Gospel narrative remembered by the Church unite us with a common joy of the coming into the world of Christ the Savior and a common hope for deliverance of mankind from sin and eternal death.
This past year has become for all of us a year of unexpected trials, including stressful concerns regarding the health of our relatives, friends and acquaintances, restrictions in the celebration of divine services, and the inability to share the joy of common prayer, and much, much more.
I sincerely thank the clergy and parishioners of the Diocese of Sourozh, the Patriarchal parishes in the USA, Canada and Mexico for their selfless fulfillment of their assigned obedience’s, for their responsible and careful approach to the observance of all the instructions prescribed by His Holiness, the Patriarch, and the demonstration of civic consciousness with the implementation of the decisions of the local authorities. This was an example of Christian love for one's neighbor. By deed and word, support was provided to those who required special attention and care.
I pray with you that the coming New Year will be marked by the long-awaited deliverance from the destructive epidemic and filled with peace and prosperity. I believe that the All-Merciful Lord, who has manifested His goodness to the human race many times and in many ways, will visit all those who have faith in Him and renew our spiritual and physical strength.
I wholeheartedly congratulate all of you, dear Fathers, brothers and sisters, with the birth of our Lord and Savior and prayerfully wish all of you good health and spiritual joy and call your attention to the words of the Apostle Paul: “Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times” (Rom. 12: 11-12).
I invoke the blessing of God on all of you.
With love in our newborn Christ,
+Matthew
Bishop of Sourozh
Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes
in the USA & Canada
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