We are a parish of the Orthodox Christian Faith which was established on the day of Holy Pentecost in the Year 33 AD. Our parish community is a member of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A. whose presiding bishop is His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa. The American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese is an autonomous diocese under the spiritual protection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople of which His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I is the Primate.  Our services are in English, with the occasional church Salvonic and Greek on Holy days and feast days!

Through this web site, we are pleased to be able to introduce you to the worship and fellowship as it is expressed in the life of our Parish. If you are a new member of our parish, or are considering membership, these web pages will acquaint you with what our parish offers.

If you have any questions in regards to our worship or the Orthodox Church in general, please see Fr. Michael Zak and he will gladly answer any of your inquires to the best of his ability.  He looks forward to meeting you   At our best, we are known for our welcoming attitude, hospitality, prayerfulness, generosity and compassion.  At our worst, we are sinners, but we’re working out our salvation together, and could use your help.  If you are looking for a church home, we hope you will consider making St Nicholas Orthodox Church that place.   Learn More

"

Enter the Church and wash away your sins. For here there is a hospital and not a court of law. Do not be ashamed to enter the Church; be ashamed when you sin, but not when you repent". – St. John Chrysostom

   "Let the children come to Church, even if they slept there, even if they played and ate, even if they came late, even if they talked and made noise... It is enough that they chose the Church rather than going anywhere else! They shook off sleep and came to Church. They left their play and came to Church.  Today they play and joke, tomorrow they will pray and chant, and after tomorrow they will serve, and afterwards they will become leaders in the church. Who amongst us didn’t behave like them when he was their age?

Do not reproach a child or dismiss him. Whatever he does, do not reject his commitment to the Church. Be kind to them, be nice to them, and teach them with patience, compassion and wisdom. Smile to them. Give them gifts. Hug them kindly. Encourage them and make them feel how we rejoice that they are present with us. Today they connect emotionally with the Church, tomorrow they will connect spiritually.

Of all that we have, children are the most precious. Our Lord Jesus Christ blessed children, hugged them, and had them stand in the midst, in front of everyone I, to show that they should get the most attention and care."

                                                                                 Aba Macarius, Bishop of Al Menia & Abu Koras

Parish News

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TRADITIONAL DIOCESAN FASTING REGULATIONS

FOR GREAT LENT: 2024

1. Monday, March 18th: Clean Monday, The First Day of Lent, is a Day of Strict Fast, as is Good Friday, May 3rd, and Holy Saturday, May 4th.  No meat or dairy products may be eaten on these days.
2. No meat may be eaten on all Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent.
3. No meat and meat products may be eaten during Great and Holy Week, April 29th through May 4th.
4. For the evening Pre-sanctified Liturgies, a 3 hour fast from all food and drink is to be observed before Communion. Normal fasting from midnight is still to be practiced for the morning divine liturgies. People who must take medications at certain times may do so and still receive communion, even with a little food if required.

These are the minimum regulations. We are encouraged to fast in a stricter manner if we can. Fasting also includes attending Lenten services, giving alms to the poor, and avoiding bad habits.

Listen to Carpatho Rusyn Prostopinije/Plain Chant or ACROD Choral recordings

Recordings from Nativity Services, Divine Liturgies, and Other Services Available on Spotify. Launch the application, login, or Create and Account and Search "ACROD"

Launch Spotify Here and Search "Carpatho-Russian"

Services & Events

Akathist Hymn to the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ

Apr 19 6 pm

Diocesan Central Region Lenten Retreat

Apr 20

Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God, Confessions, First Address, Lunch, Second Address

Apr 20 10 am

Vespers

Apr 20 4 pm

Service of the Third Hour

Apr 21 8:20 am

St Basil's Liturgy on St. Mary of Egypt Sunday

Apr 21 9 am

Deanery Lenten Vespers at St. John's Church, Ambridge,PA

Apr 21 4 pm

Diocesan News

Online Chapel

Saints, Feasts, and Readings for 04/18/2024

5th Thursday of Lent: The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete

Today's Readings

Isaiah 42:5-16

Genesis 18:20-33

Proverbs 16:17-17:17

Saints and Feasts Commemorated

Holy Father John the Righteous, disciple of St. Gregory of Decapolis; Euthemios the Enlightener of Karelia; Cosmas, Bishop of Calcydon; John the New Martyr of Epiros; Athanasia the Wonderworker of Aegina

Visit the Online Chapel for more daily readings, hymns, a monthly calendar of saints and feasts, and more.