On Sunday, March 10, 2024, the clergy and faithful of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church gathered for a baptismal liturgy at which the child Nicholas Pandrof was baptized, chrismated, tonsured, churched, and given holy communion. At the conclusion of the service, the parish congratulated the family and relatives present. In addition, many years was sung for Justine LaMonica and Alexander Girard who celebrated their birthdays that past week.
On February 15, 2024, the Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple. At Nativity of Saint John Church the Feast began on February 14th with great vespers and litia followed by Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the candles on the 15th. After Liturgy the rector, Father Mark Rashkov, welcomed all the parishioners and spoke about the importance of the feast and the reason why we bless the candles on this day.
On Sunday, February 4th, 2024, the day that the Russian Orthodox Church commemorates the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church, after Divine Liturgy, the newly elected parish council of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church gathered for short meleben, asking that the Lord bless their dedicated efforts for the benefit of the parish community. The parish clergy and faithful wished them many years of health and fruitful labors, thanking them for their willingness to be a part of the parish lay leadership.
In addition, Priest Mark Rashkov, Rector of the parish churched the newly- born child Nicholas Pandorf. That same day, Father Mark read a prayer and blessed two Sunday School children who are members of the Cub Scouts of America as they continue their advancement and fruitful participation in the scout program. On Sunday January 21, 2024, the clergy, parishioners, and guests of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church celebrated the end of the Holiday Season with a Yolka celebration. After Divine Liturgy everyone made their way next door to the education building which was decorated with lights, balloons, and festive Christmas decor. The celebration began with a prayer and a few words from the rector of the parish, Fr. Mark Rashkov. During his introductory remarks, Fr. Mark thanked all of the many volunteers from near and far that helped make the celebration possible. Afterwards, guests watched a live Nativity puppet show put on by parishioners of the church and directed by Vladislav Guzner and musically accompanied by Zinaida Rashkova. The show highlighting the events of Christ's birth and retold the Nativity story. The Second part of the celebration was full of dancing, singing, fun and games. The both the children and adults were welcomed by Grandfather Frost (Ded Moroz) and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden (Snegurochka). Afterward, the Sunday School children performed the Christmas Song "Deck the Halls" and individual children performed songs and poems which they prepared for Grandfather Frost and the guests. After the Yolka celebration, every child received a holiday gift of sweets and everyone continued to enjoy each other's company and the holiday potluck lunch which was organized by the parish. On January 18 and 19, 2024, the clergy and parishioners of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church in Little Falls, NJ celebrated the feast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As is the tradition of the Orthodox Church, the Holy "Agiasma" service of the Great Blessing of the water was served both after Divine Liturgy on the Eve of Theophany, and After Liturgy on the actual day of the feast. After the Great Blessing of water the clergy and faithful walked down to the stream of water the flows through the neighborhood while singing the hymns of Theophany. There, the stream of flowing water was also blessed and used to bless the faithful that were present. Beginning on January 5th, 2024 the clergy and parishioners of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church in Little Falls, NJ, celebrated Nativity celebrations beginning with Great and Royal Hours, Nativity Eve services, and concluded with Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 7. After Nativity Liturgy the Choir, lead by Sergei Kondratiev, spread Christmas cheer by singing tradition Christmas songs for the parish and Father Mark Rashkov gave out gifts of the icon of the Bethlehem Icon of the Virgin Marry to each parishioner. On Sunday December 17, 2023 the Parish of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist celebrated many wonderful occasions beginning with the feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra in Lycia (moved from December 19th). After Divine Liturgy, Father Mark congratulated Ava Levitsky on her birthday, Barbara Preciado on her name day, and the newly illuminated Sebastian on his first name day as an Orthodox Christian.
Following coffee hour, the Sunday School children participated in a play dedicated to the life and miracles of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, directed by a Emma Pandorf. After the play, the children and Sunday School teachers received gifts from Saint Nicholas (Santa). The day concluded with Saint Anna's Altar Society holding their annual meeting, during which elections took place and events were discussed for the coming new year. On Saturday, December 16th, 2024, parishioners and friends of Nativity of Saint John's Church came together to decorate the church grounds for the holiday season. Much attention was given to both the inside and outside of the church building including the adjacent educational building and surrounding property. We thank our wonderful volunteers for their time, energy, and especially for creating a wonderful atmosphere of fun and joy. On Saturday December 16, 2024, the Sunday School of Nativity of Saint John's Church hosted gingerbread-house making. Parents and children came together to take part in holiday cheer and joy. The gingerbread houses are then traditionally used as center pieces the next day for the Saint Nicholas Day play and continue to decorate the parish dining area throughout the season.On Sunday, November 26th, 2023, Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church wished the following parishioners a Happy Birthday, Karen Allmendinger, Brandy Pandorf, Pasquale LaMonaca, and Galina. The clergy and parishioners sang many years and wished them many years of joy, health, and a multitude of God's blessings.
On November 18th, 2023, after great Vespers, Nativity of Saint John's Church hosted a Beefsteak Dinner in the church education building. Clergy, parishioners, neighbors, friends and families came together for a meal that was prepared by well known members of the Little Falls community, Jack Brown and his team. Among the guests were clergy from local Russian Orthodox parishes, Carmen Gaita of Gaita Memorial Home in Little Falls, NJ, and members of the Little Falls Township Council, Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilwoman Christine Hablitz, and Councilman Michael Murphy. We thank all of our wonderful organizers of the event, our volunteers, and all of our guests for making it a festive, joyous and memorable evening for all.
On Sunday, November 12th, 2023 the parish community of Saint John's congratulated Nargiza Petruccelli and Maria Chuba on the occasion of their birthdays. Nargiza and Maria both have been helping the community for many years in all aspects of parish life. The clergy and faithful of the Nativity of Saint John's Church deeply appreciate their commitment and wish them many wonderful, healthy, and blessed years!
On November 11th, 2023, Nativity of Saint John's Sunday School hosted a Thanksgiving craft event for children and their relatives. Participants spend the afternoon creating unique edible Fall arrangements that were then used the following day at the parish annual Thanksgiving Potluck.
On Sunday, October 22, 2023, the Sunday School of Nativity of Saint John's Church had it's first event of the year, apple picking in Warwick, NY. After Divine Liturgy, parents, children, and teachers spent the afternoon enjoying the orchards and engaging in fellowship. Father Mark spoke to the children about various topics pertaining to the Orthodox faith.
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March 2024
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