 On April 6th and 7th, 2024, the clergy and faithful of Saint John's Church celebrated the fast of the Annunciation of our Most Pure Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary which this year falls on the Third Sunday of Great Lent. On Saturday evening, during Great Vespers, the Cross of our Lord was decorated and brought out into the center of the church for veneration as is the custom of the Orthodox Church. On Sunday, the actual day of the feast, 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 to the parish Sunday School children. Afterwards, the students continued to decorated their own crosses to honor the feast.  On Saturday, April 6th, 2024 after the Festal Great Vespers for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Marry, Saint Anna's Altar society hosted their annual Salmon dinner. Parishioners and guests gathered at the Saint John's education center to enjoy a salmon meal made by Saint Anna's sisterhood. The evening was joy and fellowship ending with a tricky tray raffle.
Beginning on March 18, 2024 Lenten services were held all week at Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church. From Monday - Thursday, the clergy and parishioners gathered to take part in Great Compline with the reading of the four parts of the Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete and on Friday night, the first Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts was served. After Saturday Vespers and Sunday Liturgy for the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of Great lent, the clergy and the Sunday School students and teachers took part in a procession around the inside and part of the outside of the church building. 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, during which we underscored the importance of the role of icons in the Orthodox faith. On Sunday, March 17, 2024, after Divine Liturgy and Vespers with the Rite of Forgiveness, the parish of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist hosted a Maslenitsa celebration. Parishioners and guests were welcomed with traditional slavic decorations, music, and fresh homemade blini. The event began with a vocal performance by Vasiliy Nasiuta accompanied by Zinaida Rashkova. Music was performed by the Irina Zagornava and the children's musical dance ensemble "Zolotoy Petushok". Additional activities and games were organized by Marina Ivannikova. The afternoon was filled with fun and joy, cultural actives, dancing, and fellowship. Saint John Parish sincerely thanks everyone who organized, participated, and took part in this joyous occasion. Photo credit: @AlexanderSun75 Video Recording: 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. |
 |  |
On Sunday, October 1, 2023, after Divine Liturgy, clergy, faithful, friends, family, neighbors, and guests came together for the annual Saint John's Picnic which took place at the Saint John's parish picnic grounds. The Parish sold traditional slavic dishes to guests from New Jersey and New York. Many activities were offered to families and children of all ages. Among the distinguished guests were members of the Little Falls Township Council, Little Falls Council President Anthony Sgobba, Councilman Christopher Vancheri, and Councilwoman Christine Halbitz. Live music was provided by well-known local musicians, "Lou Conti The American Expression."
Going back decades, it has been a long-standing tradition of Saint John's Church in Little Falls, NJ to hold an annual picnic which has become a favorite event not only among parish members but neighbors and residents of neighboring towns and communities as well. This is a great opportunity to enjoy ethnic food, live music, and to meet new friends and fellow Orthodox Christians. Be sure to join us next year!
Going back decades, it has been a long-standing tradition of Saint John's Church in Little Falls, NJ to hold an annual picnic which has become a favorite event not only among parish members but neighbors and residents of neighboring towns and communities as well. This is a great opportunity to enjoy ethnic food, live music, and to meet new friends and fellow Orthodox Christians. Be sure to join us next year!
On Sunday, October 1, 2023, the Sunday after the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, after Divine Liturgy, a moleben was served for students and the beginning of the school year. After the sermon, Priest Mark Rashkov offered a few words of encouragement to the students and wished them a fruitful and successful school year. As the faithful venerated the decorated cross, Father Mark blessed everyone with holy water.
On Tuesday, September 27, 2023 the clergy and faithful of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church in Little Falls, NJ celebrated the feast of the Holy Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At the end of Festal Vespers, the Cross was solemnly processed with from the altar and placed in the center of the church for veneration.
The celebrations continued on Wednesday, September 28th, on the actual day of the feast with the celebration of Divine Liturgy at which the cross was glorified and venerated as the choir sang "Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship, O Master, and Thy holy Resurrection we glorify."
The floral decorations were offered by St. Ann's Society and by numerous parishioners.
Feast of The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John and 9/11 memorial
9/11/2023
On Sunday, September 10, 2023, the clergy and faithful of Saint John's church in Little Falls, NJ celebrated the feast of the Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John with Great Vespers at 2pm followed by a memorial service for all of the Orthodox Christians that died during the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001. On Monday, September 11th, prayers for the departed and servants of God and their families continued during Divine Liturgy during which, the church bells rang at the corresponding times of the tragic events of 9/11/2001.
On August 30th, 2023, Victoria (Vicky) Duin, a life-long parishioner and most beloved member of the Saint John's parish community fell asleep in the Lord. On the day of her passing, the rector of Saint John's Church, Rev. Fr. Mark Rashkov served a memorial service for Victoria at Saint John's Russian Orthodox Church in Little Falls, NJ. On Friday, August 1st, the third day of her passing, Parishioners of Saint John's Church, friends and family members all gathered at Gaita Memorial Home for the viewing and to join in prayer as Father Mark served a parastas for Victoria. The following morning, on Saturday, August 2nd, after divine liturgy, Victoria's funeral took place at Saint John's Church after which, Family members recalled their fondest memories of Victoria. Afterwards, Victoria was buried at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Totowa, NJ.
Vicky is remembered by all as a very active and integral part of all church activities. She chaired many events (Pierogi making, selling Shop Rite Coupons to name a few). She was the President of St. Anna's Altar Society. She was a former Committee Member. Moreover, she was always first on Sunday to help sell candles and greet everyone with a Good Morning!! Vicky was one of a kind, always ready and willing to help anyone in need. The entire Saint John's community expresses their condolences to Victoria's family and prays that our Lord and God make her memory eternal!
Victoria's obituary may be read on the Gaita Memorial Home website:
https://www.gaitamh.com/obituaries
Vicky is remembered by all as a very active and integral part of all church activities. She chaired many events (Pierogi making, selling Shop Rite Coupons to name a few). She was the President of St. Anna's Altar Society. She was a former Committee Member. Moreover, she was always first on Sunday to help sell candles and greet everyone with a Good Morning!! Vicky was one of a kind, always ready and willing to help anyone in need. The entire Saint John's community expresses their condolences to Victoria's family and prays that our Lord and God make her memory eternal!
Victoria's obituary may be read on the Gaita Memorial Home website:
https://www.gaitamh.com/obituaries
