On Saturday, August 15^th, St. Nicholas celebrated the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos and the Blessing of the Flowers with a Divine Liturgy.

The fragrance of the flowers, with the Divine Liturgy of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, filled the hearts and souls of every member present.

Thursday, August 6^th, St. Nicholas celebrated the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Blessing of Fruit with a Divine Liturgy.  This beautiful and colorful service is a feast for the eyes and nourishment for the body with communion for the soul.

Bright Monday Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Nickolai Breckenridge, rector, assisted by guest priest, Fr. Michael Kon, with attached Mitered Archpriest James Mason in attendance.  After Divine Liturgy, the church was blessed outside, and included the reading of 4 Gospels.

The liturgy and blessing were followed by the annual hot dog luncheon in Chernay Fellowship Hall, in celebration of the end of Lent.

“CHRIST IS RISEN! ……….. INDEED HE IS RISEN!”

Fr. Nikolai, led the parishioners in Good Friday’s, Burial Vespers.  For Burial Vespers Christ was taken down from the Cross.

We wait with anticipation our Lord and Savior’s Resurrection.

On Wednesday, April 8th, Fr. Nikolai Breckenridge, rector, administered Holy Unction to the parishioners of St. Nicholas and Orthodox Christians with recent confessions.  This healing service is one of the Sacraments (Holy Mysteries) of the church in which Orthodox Christians are anointed with Blessed Oil for the healing of soul and body.

This service is always well attended by the Orthodox Christians during Holy Week.

Glory Be To God!

On Lazarus Saturday, April 4, after Divine Liturgy, the Sunday school students and teachers prepared pussy willows and palm leafs for distribution to the parish.  The willows and palms were blessed by Fr. Nikolai at Evening Vespers.

On Palm Sunday, April 5, before Divine Liturgy, the willows and palms were handed out to the faithful of the parish.  Many parishioners’ chose to hold the willows and palms throughout the service.

As we start Holy Week, we wait, with great anticipation, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.

On Sunday, March 29, Fr. Nikolai Breckenridge administered the oath of office to members of St. Nicholas church council and to the church auditors.  The church members were elected to their positions at our annual parish meeting.

After the oath was administered, Fr. Nikolai blessed each elected member as they kissed the Gospel.

May God grant the newly elected members spiritual guidance, as they fulfill their commitment and dedication to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

May God grant council members, “Many Blessed Years”.

This was the first of two fish dinners this year: Friday, March 20, and the second on Friday April 3.  These dinners are widely enjoyed and attended by the surrounding community, as well as the faithful of St. Nicholas.  The fish dinners also included:  Treasures of Russia, crafts and candy sales.

A BIG thank you goes to all of the church members and volunteers who make these dinners possible, popular and successful.

On Wednesday, December 17, a luncheon was held in Chernay Fellowship Hall to honor the dedicated pierogi workers.  A catered lunch was served with new England Clam chowder, Salad, Filled Pasta Shells, Shrimp Scampi, Baked Mushrooms and small roasted crab cakes. Beautiful cakes made by Jean were dessert. After a blessing by Fr. Nikolai, everyone enjoyed the lunch.  

The pierogi project makes donations to:  cleaning of vestments, maintenance repairs, purchase of new kitchen equipment, St. Tikhon’s Century Association, and Northampton Children’s Bureau, to mention a few.  Pierogi making continues to be a valuable church project and resource that aids the church and benefits others in our community.

May God grant many blessed, healthy years to all our workers, and to all who support the pierogi project.  We pray that St. Euphrosini, the patron saint of cooks, will continue to guide our hands as we peel, cut, roll, pinch, boil, pack and sell our pierogis.

On Sunday, December 14, the choir at St. Nicholas presented its Annual Christmas Choir Concert.  Fr. Nikolai Breckenridge introduced the songs with a brief history.  Under the direction of our distinguished Choir Director/Reader Nick Lezinsky, the choir sang beautiful songs of the Nativity and other seasonal ethnic Christmas carols.  The choir concert showcases our talented choir and draws many visitors from the surrounding Orthodox churches and communities. 

After the concert, everyone was invited to Chernay Hall for coffee, cake and Christian fellowship.

Christ is Born!   Glorify Him!

On Saturday, December 13th, St. Nicholas held its Annual Christmas bazaar.  Delicious ethnic foods and home-made baked goods were served.  Local crafters, artists, and merchants provided gifts for sale.  There was also a tricky-tray basket raffle, and our own Treasures of Russia offered a variety of icons, matryoshka dolls, angels, ornaments, and other Russian crafts.

Fr. Nikolai also gave tours of the church to visitors who requested it. 

The event is always well attended, by both church members and the local community. 

The Bazaar’s success would not have been possible without the volunteers’ time and efforts. 

Thank you to all who volunteered!

On Sunday, December 7th, an extended coffee hour was held in Chernay Fellowship Hall, where the Annual Yolka was held, presented by the Sunday school students.  This year, the talents of the students were displayed for all to see.  The program, with performances from lower grade students, middle grade students and senior students, recited Christmas verses, individual musical performances and group singing.

The school students’ talents were so good, that St. Nicholas appeared and gave all the students, staff and all present Christmas gifts.

“Christ is Born!   Glorify Him!”

On Sunday, August 17, we were blessed to have the Divine Liturgy celebrated by his Eminence Archbishop Mark and Fr. Nikolai Breckenridge, assisted by Deacon Geoffrey LoBalbo.  During the Liturgy, Archbishop Mark tonsured one of our members, John Heitzenrater as a reader.

We wish our new reader “Many Blessed Years” at St. Nicholas.