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Schedule of Services
Services at the Cathedral are conducted in English (E) and Church Slavonic (S).
Thursday, November 28 – Thanksgiving
- 9:00 am – Divine Liturgy (E)
Saturday, November 30
Sunday, December 1
- 9:00 am – Divine Liturgy (E,S)
Thursday, December 5 – Eve of Feast of St. Nicholas
Friday, December 6 – Feast of St. Nicholas
- 9:00 am – Divine Liturgy (E,S)
Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8
- 9:00 am – Divine Liturgy (E)
- 10:45 am – Divine Liturgy (S)
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Pastoral Care
Clergy are available by phone and email for spiritual care as needed. If you want to set up an appointment, please find clergy contact information below. You can find the website Pastoral Care page here.
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Scripture Readings for December 1
Ephesians 2:4-10
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Luke 18:18-27
18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” 21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” 22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?”
27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
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Currently at St. Nicholas | |
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Thanksgiving Potluck Meal
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In commemoration of Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 28th), our traditional potluck meal will be held after the 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy until 12:00PM. Those of you who participated in previous years know what a blessing it is to have this communal meal which brings our parish together.
Please take the time to RSVP and say what you will bring. Please share your favorite recipes! Looking forward to celebrating this feast and thanking the Lord and each other for everything.
In Christ,
Elena Forrest-Cherneski
elena_forrest@yahoo.com
571-274-9647 mobile
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Memory Eternal
Matushka Marie Meyendorff fell asleep in the Lord this past Sunday at the age of 95 after a rich and faithful life. She is widely and fondly remembered by so many who attended St. Vladimir's Seminary during and after the years when her husband, Fr. John Meyendorff was a professor and dean there. She only lived in Bethesda for a short time at the end of her life, and although her funeral will take place next week in New York, there will be a memorial service at Saint Mark for her this Saturday at 4:30 PM prior to vespers.
Below is a link to a remembrance of her as well as the details of her funeral arrangements from the OCA website.
Please keep Matushka Marie and her family in your prayers. May her memory be eternal!
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St. Nicholas Community Christmas Card
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Christ is in our midst!
The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ is approaching!
It has been a St. Nicholas tradition for many years to have an annual Parish Christmas Card. The card is a wonderful way for parishioners and friends of St. Nicholas to exchange greetings on the joyous Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and to support our Cathedral.
If you would like your name printed on the card, please complete the form below and turn it in at the candle counter with your free will donation.
If you prefer to make your donation by Venmo, please leave the form at the candle counter and use the QR code there or in the church hall. For credit card donations, please email this form to our church office or leave it at the candle counter, and make your donation on the St. Nicholas website. Please use the note on both Venmo and online payments to indicate that your donation is for the Christmas card.
We are grateful for any donation toward the Parish Christmas Card. If you prefer that your name not be listed, please indicate that on the form.
To ensure that the card can be printed and mailed to reach everyone before Christmas, we appreciate your response as promptly as possible. Submissions must be received by December 16 to be included in the Card.
With love in Christ, blessings and best wishes to you, your families and loved ones,
Father George
Father Valery
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Pledging for 2025
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 6:21)
At St. Nicholas Cathedral, our 2025 stewardship and pledge campaign is underway. The Cathedral is grateful for your generous and loving support, and we are asking again for that support.
Pledges make it possible for our Parish Council to set a budget and for our parish to finance ongoing ministries, services and necessary renovation projects.
To pledge for 2025, please complete the pledge form your received in the mail and return it to the Cathedral office or to the candle counter by Dec. 31, 2024. This form is also available on our website.
If you prefer, you may use the below button to fill out your pledge form online.
St. Nicholas Cathedral is blessed with talented parishioners who have organized and participate in activities and initiatives that enrich the life of our parish and community. We are grateful to all who are working to ensure that our Cathedral remains a center of Orthodoxy and spirituality. Please take a few minutes to indicate those areas you may be interested in serving on the pledge form.
We thank God for His goodness and His blessings upon us, and we continue to pray for all. Thank you again for your continued support.
With love in Christ,
Fr. George
Fr. Valery
Glenn Hartman, President
Will Baumgardner, Chair, Stewardship Committee
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Third Annual Christmas Market and Used Book Sale
The St. Nicholas Christmas Market and Used Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th, from 10AM to 4PM.
We are seeking volunteers for set up and pricing on Friday evening, December 6th, starting at 6PM. The more volunteers we have, the quicker we can be ready for Saturday.
We also need volunteers to help assist our guests.
Let's work together to make this the most successful Christmas Market yet! If you are willing to volunteer, please contact James Stowell.
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Annual Children's Christmas Crafts Day
When: Sunday, December 8, 11AM - 1PM (No Sunday School classes scheduled)
Where: First Floor of the Annex - Use back door entrance
All St. Nicholas children are invited to a crafts workshop in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity. Children aged 4 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All materials, i.e. kits, paint, glue, glitter will be provided. This year we have art smock aprons for the younger children. We will be making Christmas tree ornaments and much more for both take-home and to contribute to gift bags delivered to our homebound parishioners for Christmas.
All parishioners are invited to come by the workshop between 11:30am and 1:00pm to see the creative activity and to sign Christmas cards for the homebound gift bags. We welcome volunteers to help the children with scissors, glue, kit instructions etc. Come join the fun!
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Please Consider Helping
After suffering a series of medical setbacks, our own James Stowell has been forced into medical retirement, leaving him and his wife Victoria as a single-income household. Victoria has had to carry the fullness of their financial burden.
James will require two separate craniotomies in California. The funds will be designated for transportation and housing expenses, related medical expenses, as well as payment assistance of necessary bills.
Please consider visiting the below GoFundMe page to help the Stowells, who have given so much to St. Nicholas through their work at the candle counter and the gift corner, among other activities, by relieving some of the financial strain off of Victoria. It would be such a tremendous blessing to them, and they thank you so much for your consideration.
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Orthodox Christian Missions Center News | |
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OCMC Executive Director Search
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is seeking candidates for the role of Executive Director, in anticipation of Father Martin Ritsi’s upcoming retirement. We are hoping that many Orthodox individuals will be inspired to respond to this opportunity. Here’s how you can help: Apply: After reviewing the job description, if you are qualified and called to lead, please apply today. Recommend: If you know someone perfect for the role, please send your recommendations to the Search Committee and forward the job description to that person. Share this information within your networks to help us reach other Orthodox leaders who might be able to identify interested candidates. Applications and recommendations can be sent to the Search Committee (led by John Colis). All communications are confidential.
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OCMC Agape Canister January - September 2024
$689.25 was donated to the OCMC through the canister at the St. Nicholas Candle counter and benefits projects like the Saint Dimitri Program in Romania, established 25 years ago by OCMC Missionary Floyd Frantz. The St Dimitri Program provides addiction recovery counseling and resources to marginalized communities, especially the homeless in Romania. The OCMC Agape grant of $10,800 completed a much-needed grant to repair the roof on the facilities’ main office, allowing the program to continue to provide outpatient counseling to 50+ individuals every week. Thank you for your donations to this philanthropic effort!
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Addictions Recovery Support Network News | |
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At St. Nicholas we care about you. We want to help you find the resources
At St. Nicholas we care about you and want to help you find the resources that will relieve the pain of addiction or co-addiction
This is why we have created the Addictions Recovery Support Network (ARSN). The ARSN recognizes Science/Counseling, 12 Steps and 12 Traditions Recovery Programs and Religion are separate entities. The ARSN Ministry also recognizes that these entities are bridgeable and compatible, when it comes to achieving and maintain relief from addiction or co-addition.
The ARSN Ministry is not a 12 Steps and 12 Traditions program. We are Orthodox Christians who stand ready to offer resources and solutions to the problem of achieving and maintaining sobriety. Our ministry is open to all persons who are looking for resources.
To learn more, pick up an ARSN Brochure from the Recovery Rack located in the coffee hour hall, text or join us on the monthly ARSN Zoom meeting.
The monthly meeting is held on Zoom, on the last Monday of each month from 7:00 to 8:15 PM. There is freedom from addiction/co-addiction, and there is joy in recovery. Join us.
Meeting ID: 210 068 7480
Password: 208156
Samantha Cath (in recovery) coordinates the ARSN Ministry. Feel free to call or text her or Father George with questions about recovery choices and/or the ARSN Ministry.
Father George (703) 801-9911
Samantha Cath (703) 919-6334
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Spiritual, Cultural and Fun Opportunites | |
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Concert of Christmas Music
When: Saturday, December 7, 7PM
Where: Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, 4250 Harewood Rd NE, Washington DC
The Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America (UBC)has been the guardian of the majestic 60-stringed musical instrument– the Bandura. The UBC resettled in the United States after WWII, and for over seven decades has shared the bandura globally. While millions play the piano, only thousands play Bandura. The Bandura is an icon of Ukraine’s national identity, voice, and the bearer of its soul. Please join us for a concert of Christmas Music!
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Retreat
When: Saturday, December 7, 2PM - 5PM
Where: All Saints of America Orthodox Church, 3130 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA
The parish of All Saints of America in Alexandria, VA, is hosting a retreat titled "God is with Us: Grieving as Orthodox Christians," with Dr. Sarah Byrne-Martelli. The retreat will be followed by Great Vespers, and then a Question and Answer session. Note that this retreat is free, but registration is required.
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Zoom Presentation
When: Sunday, December 8, 1PM
Where: On Zoom
Archbishop Atallah Hanna of Sebastia (northern West Bank) will be doing a webinar on Zoom on “Israel’s impact on Palestine and Christian Heritage”. You may be interested in joining in.
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St. Luke Holiday Bake Sale
When: Saturday, December 14, 9AM - 2PM
Where: St. Luke Orthodox Church, 6801 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA
St. Luke Orthodox Church is pleased to announce its Holiday Bake Sale! Please plan to join them to shop holiday treats, enjoy coffee and donuts and fellowship. Their gift shop kiosk will feature holiday items which are sure to please!
The St. Luke bake sale is a years’ old tradition that offers an occasion to bring their community together with neighbors and friends from far and near to share holiday cheer. They are especially excited this year that visitors will see the progress on their new church which is nearing completion. Your patronage over the years has contributed to this blessing on the St. Luke community for which they are most grateful!
For more information or to pre-order (by November 24) nut rolls, poppyseed rolls, and frozen strudel, see the flier below.
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Birthdays and Anniversaries
November Birthdays
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5 - Mark Pietrzykoski
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9 - Tamara Barnaba
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11 - Susan Rudy
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13 - Alexander Shostko
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16 - Claire Nobles
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20 - Don Rowe
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21 - Nina Holvey
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22 - Mikhail Bolkhovitinov
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23 - Serge Romanchak
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24 - Natalia Kornilova Thomas
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29 - Joseph Lazarus McCrea
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30 - Lisa Marie Fritts
November Anniversaries
- 8 - Fr. Valery and Matushka Marina Shemchuk - 1998
- 14 - Vladimir and Tatyana Son - 1972
- 16 - Claire and Tim Mehok - 2021
- 18 - Dn. Igor and Matushka Irina Panyutin - 1978
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Remembering Larry Harrison
Lt. Col. Larry D. Harrison, 57, departed this life on November 1, 2020 in Washington D.C. Larry was born on July 1, 1963 in Ponca City, OK, son of Larry D. Harrison and Sherry C. Potter. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1981, attended Oklahoma State University, then joined the United States Army in 1984.
While serving in Germany, Larry became a tank commander, reached the rank of Sergeant, and received several awards and ribbons including the Army Good Conduct Medal. He joined the Army National Guard in Tonkawa, OK and finished his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Oklahoma State University.
After graduation, Larry rejoined the U.S. Army as 2nd Lieutenant and served in Bosnia. Later stationed in Monterey, CA he went to school to learn the Russian language. He was then sent to Moscow, where he graduated from the Russian Military Academy. During this time, he graduated from Kansas State University with a master’s degree in chemical engineering. Larry made the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served his country as the Military Attache in Albania, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
Lt. Col. Harrison retired from the U.S. Army in 2016 and spent his time living in Washington DC, Ponca City, and traveling the United States. He loved treasure hunting, camping, and hiking. He loved his country for which he willingly sacrificed. He loved his family.
When Larry came to Washington, DC he joined St. Nicholas Cathedral where he quickly became active in parish life. He served on the Parish Council as treasurer, worked at the annual bazaar and other church projects. His joy was being an Orthodox Christian serving in the altar. He was given the blessing to serve as subdeacon. Clergy and parishioners mourn his loss from St. Nicholas.
Larry married in 1989 and had three children. From his second marriage in 2005 he had a daughter. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Sherry Potter. He is survived by his sister Carrie and her husband Bill Cantrell of Ponca City, his son Benjamin Harrison and his wife Savannah of Fort Rucker, AL, his daughter Danielle Harrison and son John Harrison both from Bastrop, TX, and his daughter Kristina Harrison of Sterling, VA.
Memory Eternal!
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Parishioner Memorial Project
Each month we hope to highlight the memory of a departed parishioner or friend of St. Nicholas Cathedral. If you have a loved one or friend that you would like to have featured, please send a short biography with their contributions to our Cathedral life, no matter how great or small - with a digital photo if available - to Lisamik56@gmail.com with the words "Memory Eternal" in the subject line. Please include the date and year of death, as we will try to highlight the departed around an anniversary.
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ADDRESS
3500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: 202 333 5060
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