St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church
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AN URGENT APPEAL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS!
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Dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
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GLORY BE TO OUR LORD!
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As the news agencies around the world have informed, the situation in Ukraine has become worse, almost beyond comprehension - the invasion of Russian Federation of Independent Ukraine.
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It appears that the lessons of history have not been learned and the murder of the citizenry and destruction of Ukrainian land are utilized to advance geopolitical agenda of the Russian Federation.
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In the past we have urged our faithful, if they have a desire to do so, to contribute funds in support of our charitable aid efforts. However, as the nation of Ukraine defends itself against aggression - we are issuing this urgent appeal for contributions, which will be delivered in person to the proper individuals, for the medical care of the thousands of people who have been injured, some very severely, during these difficult days. Your contribution may be the primary reason that another human being receives the treatment necessary for survival.
We must stress that time is of the essence. Our goal is to get these contributions into the hands of those who need them as soon as we can! The most expedient method for making such donations for this cause would be to utilize our secure online donation link.
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Contributions may be also sent by special postal delivery to the Consistory at P. O. Box, 495, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880 or they may be hand delivered to the Consistory office at 135 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873, marked "LET’S HELP UKRAINE".
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We must make it clear that we are making this appeal not out of any political point of view, but rather, out of our stated concern for the dignity and sanctity of human life. If it is in your heart to respond to this appeal, please do not delay.
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We pray for our Lord’s blessings upon the Ukrainian people and their nation.
In His all-encompassing Love,
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+ ANTONY, Metropolitan
+ DANIEL, Bishop
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Prayer for the Beginning of the Great Fast
Lord Jesus Christ our God, Hope of all to the very bounds of the earth and those far off upon the sea and air: You have established these holy days of fasting through Your Law and Prophets, as a way for our discipline and repentance.
In the fullness of time You manifested Yourself in the flesh on this earth, and by Your fast of forty days and nights, You sanctified the practice of fasting and commanded us to follow Your example. As a Merciful and Gracious God enable us to begin these holy days of the Great Fast with perfect repentance, with humility rather than hypocrisy, with diligent prayer, with hunger and thirst, with frequent prostrations, and with a contrite heart. Enable us also to complete this time of the Great Fast without fault and a pure conscience, keeping our faith intact and achieving victory over sin.
Send us an angel of peace to watch over our lives, to protect us from all the snares of our enemies, and to assist us in the performance of good deeds. Strengthen us by Your Power so that we may accomplish the ascetic works of the Great Fast. Then with our passions crushed and our souls and bodies cleansed, we will be worthy to partake, without condemnation, of Your Most-Pure Body and Most-Precious and Life-Giving Blood.
For You are the gracious and merciful Lover-of-Humanity Who has come to come to save all, and we glorify You, together with Your Father without beginning, and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian
This is the Orthodox Lenten Prayer. It should be said every day, from Sunday night through Thursday night, during the Lenten Season. It is not used during Holy Week.
Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power and idle talk.
(Prostration)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Your servant.
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Yes, Lord and King, grant that I may see my own transgressions and not to judge my neighbor, for blessed are You to the ages of ages. Amen. (Prostration)
Then the following “Prayer of the Publican” is said with a deep bow after each line. It is repeated 4 times to make a total of 12 bows:
God, be merciful to me a sinner. (+Bow)
God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me. (+Bow)
Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number. (+Bow)
Now the prayer of Saint Ephraim is said again but with only one prostration made at the end:
Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Your servant.
Yes, Lord and King, grant that I may see my own transgressions and not to judge my neighbor, for blessed are You to the ages of ages. Amen.
(Prostration)
Welcome to St nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church
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St. Nicholas was founded by Ukrainian believers over 100 years ago, but is open and welcomes all believers and those seeking an experience of the Most Holy Trinity. Like the Holy Apostle Philip said to Nathaniel when they were first being called to be disciples of our Lord, “Come and See" (John 1:46). Our invitation is to everyone and accordingly our services are almost entirely in the English language, and service books are provided for every service so that you can pray actively with us.
