St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
980 Bridle Path Rd Bethlehem, PA. 18017
Orthodox Church in America

Below is a list of annoucements that have been emailed to our distribution list, with the most recent announcement at the top.  Our Frequently Asked Questions Section can be found at the bottom of the page.

Updated Guidelines in Response to CDC

(Email sent 05/15/2021 at 7:00 pm)

Parish Faithful,

Please see the attached letter with Updated Guidelines in Response to CDC from His Eminence, Archbishop Mark.

In Christ,

Fr. Matthew Joyner

Please click here for a pdf copy of the Updated Guidelines in Response to CDC Announcement.

Please click here for a pdf copy of the Moliben of Thanksgiving abridged.



Diocesan Directive Coronavirus Mitigation Guidance



St. Nicholas Reactivation Update 04-22-2021





February 2021 Reactivation Update



December 2020 Reactivation Update



St. Nicholas Reactivation Update 08-28-2020



Green Phase Updates from St. Nicholas



St. Nicholas Reopening Guidance



Helping Our Parishioners

(Email sent 04/24/2020 at 2:40 pm)  

Chris is Risen!

Dear Faithful of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Parish,

Like many across the nation, our community continues to abide by the PA state to stay at home and socially distance ourselves to help prevent the further outbreak of COVID-19.

We realize these recommendations impact most everyone’s daily comings and goings, from healthy individuals, to those that are the least healthy.  While many in our church community have nearby friends and family to assist them during times of need, we do not want any of our parishioners to be overlooked if a need for food arises during the corona virus outbreak.

As a reminder, if a parishioner is not able to obtain food and/or does not have the ability to prepare it on his/her own, please contact Guliana Holobeny to make your needs known and to request assistance.  We will make every effort to help during these uncertain times, but please know, there may some situations that we may not be able to assist.

Christ is in our Midst.

Bryan Distefano



Frequently Asked Questions about Covid-19 Precautions at St. Nicholas

(Originally posted April 2020, Updated October 2020)

Parish Faithful,

Glory to Jesus Christ!

In this time of uncertainty and stress, it is a blessing and a joy to be able to maintain our relationship with our parish family.

You may be asking how you might be able to do that while not being physically present for services, and what you might do to maintain participation in the life of the church.

Here we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers. I pray that they are helpful to you, and that they assist in your continued devotion to our Lord.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Covid-19 Precautions at St. Nicholas

 

Where can I find current information about Covid-19 topics relating to St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church?

We have established a dedicated page on our website for Covid-19 Information.  This page includes this FAQs document, as well as copies of the informational emails that are sent to our parish distribution list.  The FAQs will appear at the top of the page, with emailed announcements to follow.

 

How can I stay connected?

If you would like to be added to our parish email distribution list, please send your name and email address to Assistant4StNicholas@outlook.com.  Please also be sure to add that email address to your “safe senders” list so that our messages are not flagged as junk by your email provider.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact Fr. Matthew, or the parish Administrative Assistant, Jennifer Bzik.  Please keep in mind that during this unusual time, response times may be slightly delayed.

 

How can I participate in liturgical services? 

Please refer to the St. Nicholas Reactivation Update 08-28-2020.

 

Is the Bulletin still available?

Yes, you may view or print the bulletin for each Liturgy as well as service books for our other liturgical services on the Bulletins Page of our website.  The bulletin will include the hymns and scripture readings for that service, along with our customary prayer lists, announcements, etc.  If you wish to have an announcement included in the bulletin, please provide the information to the Adminstrative Assistant by noon on Thursday for inclusion on Sunday.

 

Which services are being live streamed?

We plan to live stream the following services:

  • Readers Vespers on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7:00 pm
  • Great Vespers on Saturday evenings beginning at 6:00 pm
  • Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings with the Hours beginning at 9:10 am and Liturgy beginning at 9:30 am

Please check our website Calendar Page for current information about services.

 

How can I receive the sacrament of Confession during this time?

During this challenging time, Archbishop Mark has given his blessing for Fr. Matthew to hear confessions remotely using a variety of technology including phone or video conferencing.  Please contact Fr. Matthew directly to make arrangements for confession.

 

How can I continue my Stewardship during this time of COVID-19?

Thank you to those who are continuing to give of their time, talent and treasure during this remarkable time.  Our community continues to reach out to fellow parishioners to provide assistance and to send their financial contribution to St. Nicholas.

COVID-19 is changing the way the world interacts and the church is not immune to those changes. Amid social distancing and shelter in place orders, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church has moved liturgical services to a virtual form of worship.  As active parish members, it is important that we continue to pray, participate in worship, and continue to be stewards of the church and church community. 

During this time, it is important that we sustain financial stewardship.  The church continues to have financial obligations and despite virtual worship, your financial offering is essential to support the operational requirements of St. Nicholas.  

All financial offerings should be sent to:

          St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

          980 Bridle Path Road

          Bethlehem, PA 18017

To simplify sending your offering, consider donating bi-monthly or monthly.  Deposits will be made either once or twice a month so please allow additional time for your check to clear. 

 

Is there anything I can do to help?

Yes.  During these unique circumstances, it is important for us to:

  • Renew our faith and hope in God through prayer and fasting
  • Be of service to our fellow parishioners by reaching out to check in and have a conversation
  • Help those in our church community that may have special needs and request for support

An email was sent to the parish on Tuesday, March 24th regarding providing support for parishioners in need.  “While many in our church community have nearby friends and family to assist them during times of need, we do not want any of our parishioners to be overlooked if a need for food arises during the corona virus outbreak. 

Therefore, if a parishioner is not able to obtain food and/or does not have the ability to prepare it on his/her own, please contact Guliana Holobeny to make your needs known and to request assistance.

We will make every effort to help during these uncertain times, but please know, there may some situations that we may not be able to assist.”

 

With Love In Christ,

 

Rev. Matthew R. Joyner, M.Div

Rector

 

Bryan Distefano

Parish Council President