Vesperal Divine Liturgy and blessing of the Easter baskets at Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church. 

On Holy and Good Friday the shroud of Christ was brought out during vespers of Holy Friday. That evening, Matins of Holy Saturday were served. At the end of the service, the shroud of Christ was processed with around the church. Upon returning, the faithful walked underneath the shroud before entering the church.  

On Lazarus Saturday, after Divine Liturgy, parishioners took part in our annual parish clean-up. The church buildings were prepared for the feast of Pascha, the Resurrection of Christ. On Sunday, the day the Lord entered Jerusalem, the morning began with a Sunday School procession. the Children carried banners, palms and willow branches. After Liturgy, Fr Mark congratulated Anna Sunden on her birthday and wished Gregory and Carol Levitsky a happy wedding anniversary. During coffee hour, a few parishioners took part in Easter egg painting class "Pysanky" hosted by Maryann Bacsik.  

On Saturday evening, April 5, 2025, the eve of the 5th Sunday of Great Lent and the Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the feast of St. Tikhon, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, officiated Great Vespers in St. John the Baptist Church in Little Falls, NJ. In commemoration of the beginning of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Tikhon, the archpastor brought to the church an icon of the saint with a particle of his holy relics for veneration of the faithful.
Concelebrating with His Grace were parish rector & Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes, Priest Mark Rashkov, Priest Anthony Kurakevich, Hieromonk Seraphim (Balagtas; cleric of Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral in Passaic, NJ), Hieromonk Stephen (Bushman), Deacon Alexis Golubov (cleric of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City) and Deacon Stephen Boyd (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky OCA Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA. The parish choir sung the responses under the direction of Alla Kerko.
At the end of the service, the archpastor was warmly greeted by the rector of the church, Father Mark, who, on behalf of all the parishioners, thanked Bishop Matthew for visiting the parish and for the opportunity to glorify Saint Tikhon with the icon containing a particle of his holy relics. In turn, the bishop addressed the parishioners with a sermon and also expressed gratitude to the rector, the parish president and the parish council, benefactors, the choirmaster and singers, volunteers and all the parishioners for their work for the good of the Church and love for their parish.
The archpastor presented all the participants of the service with an icon of the Iveron icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. After the sermon, the bishop served a short moleben to Saint Tikhon and read a prayer to the saint before his holy icon.
Interaction continued over a fraternal meal in the parish hall, prepared by the parish sisterhood during the annual Saint Anna's Altar Society Salmon Dinner. The annual Salmon Dinner has a long-standing tradition in Saint John's parish, bringing together people from within and outside of the regular parish congregation. The dinner is takes takes place on the nearest Saturday to the Annunciation of the Theotokos. 
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On Saturday March 22, celebrating the Sunday of the Cross, during Great Vespers, the Cross of our Lord was decorated and brought out into the center of the church for veneration. On Sunday, after Divine Liturgy, the Rector, Fr. Mark Rashkov welcomed the and congratulated the congregation and gave a lesson on the feast and the theology of the Cross. The Sunday School lesson was dedicated to the Cross and in honor of the feast of the 40 Martyrs (celebrated the day prior) the children baked "Zavoronki", a customary lent dough baked in the form of a bird on the feast of the 40 Martyrs.  ​

On the first Sunday of Great lent, the clergy and Sunday School students and teachers of Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church took part in a procession around the church building celebrating the triumph Orthodoxy over the iconoclast heresies. The Sunday School children carried icons of their patronal saints. During the procession, the litany from the "rite of Orthodoxy" was intoned and concluded with a prayer of health for all Orthodox Christians. The service concluded with a sermon from the rector, Father Mark Rashkov about the importance of the role of icons in the Orthodox faith. In addition, the clergy and parishioners wished Alex Girard, altar server of the parish, a happy birthday. 

On Sunday, February 2, 2025, 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. 

Afterwards, Father Mark read a prayer "Before the start of any good deed" and blessed three children of the parish who are members of the Cub Scouts of America as they continue their advancement and fruitful participation in the scout program. 

The day concluded with congratulating Gerg Karol and other parishioners with their Birthdays. A special thank you is expressed to Saint Annas Altar Society for purchasing new gold altar robes for the deacon and servers.  

On Sunday January 12, 2025, the clergy, parishioners, and guests of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church organized 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 shadow puppet show put on by parishioners of the church and directed by Vladislav Guzner. 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 including a ballet dance performed by the Sunday School children. A live musical performance was also incorporated into the festivities put together by Irina Zagornava and her musical ensemble "Zolotoy Petushok". The both the children and adults were welcomed by Grandfather Frost (Ded Moroz) and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden (Snegurochka). 

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 6 - 7 Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church celebrated the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The festivities began with Royal hours in the morning on January 6, followed by Nativity vigil at 6pm. On January 7, the clergy and faithful gathered for Divine Liturgy. During the communion of the clergy the rector of the parish, Priest Mark Rashkov read the the Nativity greetings from the Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh. At the end of Liturgy Fr. Mark welcomed the parishioners with a sermon followed by a performance by the parish children singing Nativity carols. The veneration of the cross concluded the service as the parish choir, lead by Alla Kerko, sang Christmas carols. The festivities continued during fellowship in the parish hall. Afterwards, a group consisting of clergy and parishioners visited a few elderly parishioners with Nativity carols and greetings. 

It is with great sadness that we share the news about the falling asleep of Andrew (Andy) Miketzuk. Andy fell asleep in the lord on on December 26, 2024. He was a long time choir director of our church and other orthodox churches in the area.
A choir director has a very important role in the life of any parish. Not only do they set the tone for the music but a tone for the entire service. Through his hard work, dedication, and love for the Church, Andy set the tone of prayer for hundreds of people over the years. We thank him for sharing his God given talent with all of us and pray that his efforts and service to the Church will be rewarded with God’s love and divine grace. May his memory be eternal!

Funeral services from Kugler Funeral Home 311 Fifth Street Saddle Brook, NJ. Funeral service on Monday December 30th at 10am at Three Saints Orthodox Church 474 Outwater Lane Garfield. Burial to immediately follow in George Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Paramus. 

​December 15, 2024 - Saint Nicholas Day celebration at Saint John’s Church. The Sunday before the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, the children of our parish presented a play based on the life of Saint Nicholas, directed by Emma Pandorf. Afterwards, the parish was visited by “Saint Nicholas” who gave out gifts to the parishioners and children. The day continued with a potluck hosted by the Sunday school.

On December 2, 2024, the men's group of our parish decorated the church for the Christmas season. We thank them for being generous with their time and making our church look amazing. 

Our parish celebrated many birthdays in September. We wish everyone many blessed years ! 

On September 26 and 27 the Orthodox Church celebrated the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. At Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church Festal Vespers were served with litia on the evening of the feast. During the service, the clergy brought out the cross for veneration to the center of the church. On the Day of the feast Divine Liturgy was served. 

On Saturday September 21, 2024, after Divine Liturgy for the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Saint John's Church hosted its annual picnic. In attendance were parishioners, guests from other churches, neighbors from nearby towns, and representatives of the local Little Falls Town Council including the mayor of Little Falls, James Belford Damiano. Guests enjoyed live music, home made food, and many fun activities for children. We thank everyone who helped organize this event and all who came to support the church. 

On Saturday, September 14, 2024 the community of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church continued to prepare for the Saint John's Annual picnic by making fresh homemade pierogi which will be sold for the benefit of the church. We thank all who participated and donated their time. 

On August 28, 2024 the clergy and faithful of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church celebrated the great and holy feast of the Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. The festivities began on Tuesday, August 27 with festal vespers and a procession with the shroud around the church. The feast continued on  following day with Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the flowers and herbs which were brought by the faithful. 

On Monday, August 19, 2024, the clergy and parishioners of Saint John the Baptist Church gathered to celebrate the holy feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The festivities began with the Liturgy on Sunday for the Forefeast of Transfiguration. At the end of Sunday Liturgy, the parish congratulated a long time parishioner, Ludmila Pogrebensky, on her 85 birthday and wished her many blessed years. That same day, after fellowship, the clergy and faithful joined for festal vespers and litia, celebrating the holy feast day. The following day, Divine liturgy was served and as is the tradition for this feast, special prayers were read at the end of service for the blessing of the fruit of the new harvest. 

On Sunday, August 4 2024, the clergy and parishioners of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church congratulated longtime parishioners of the parish, Vladimir and Daria Selepouchin, on their 55th wedding anniversary. After Divine Liturgy, the congregation thanked them for their dedication to the church and wished them many more wonderful years of health, prosperity, and all good things. 

On July 7, 2024 the Clergy and parishioners of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church celebrated their patronal feast day. The Festivities began with Divine Liturgy, at the end of which, the clergy and faithful processed around the church with banners and icons, blessing all sides of the church and concluding with a prayer to the heavenly patron of the community, Saint John the Baptist. After the Sunday sermon, Fr. Mark especially congratulated Anna Petruccelli, Joan Strothers, and Sergey Kondratiev for their birthdays. Additionally, the entire congregation join Fr. Mark in congratulating the Parish President, Mr. James Levitsky  with his 50th Birthday and thanked him for his dedication to the parish. The festivities continued in the church hall where the community engaged in fellowship.