Today we commemorate the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. This day marks a significant event in the life of the Church as it recalls the passing of the Mother of God into eternal rest. We honor this feast by venerating the relics of her apostles who miraculously gathered at her tomb to pay their last respects. At our parish, we will also bless flowers and fragrant herbs during Saturday’s Vigil service, a tradition that dates back to ancient times. These blessed items are then kept in homes as a reminder of the numerous healings and extraordinary graces bestowed on pilgrims who visited Mary’s tomb.
This Sunday is also the 12th after Pentecost, and we keep Tone 8. We invite you to join us for the Divine Liturgy, which will be followed by a fellowship hour where we can socialize with one another in Christ’s love. If you are unable to attend in person, our services are streamed live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stnicholasjoliet) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@st.nicholasjoliet).
✦ About this Sunday
As we conclude our celebration of the Dormition of the Mother of God, we are reminded of the ultimate goal of our Christian journey: to depart this life in faith and union with Christ, just as His blessed Mother did. In her passing, we see a symbol of the life to come, where eternal joy and glory await us through the grace of God’s love. May her example inspire us to live more fully in accordance with our Lord’s will, so that we may one day join her in the realm of eternal light.
☩ Holy Baptism & Chrismation
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Today — August 23rd, 2026
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Leavetaking of the Dormition
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Prousiotissa Icon of the Mother of God
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Martyr Lupus, slave of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica (4th c.)
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Hieromartyr Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons (202)
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Eutychius (ca. 540) and Florentius (547), of Nursia
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St. Callinicus, Patriarch of Constantinople (705)
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Services
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Week Ahead
Sat Aug 29 | Sun Aug 30 |
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5:00 pm Vespers | 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Catechumen Session St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Joliet IL, 1000 Barber Ln, Joliet, IL 60435, USA 11:30 am Fellowship Hour |
☩ Coming up in Orthodoxy
Fri, Aug 28
Recovery of the relics of Saint Job of Pochaev
Sat, Aug 29
The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John
Sun, Aug 30
Translation of the Relics of Rt. Blv. Great Prince St. Alexander Nevsky
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Announcements
Raised to date: $8,650
Still needed: $29,350
Thanks to the generosity of six parish households, we have raised nearly 23% of the amount needed for our roof project. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has already contributed. We prayerfully ask every parish household to participate according to its ability. Every gift, large or small, will help preserve our church building for worship, fellowship, and future generations. Donations may be made as a single contribution or in installments and may also be offered in memory or in honor of a loved one.
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Parish Celebrations
Birthdays & Namedays: Georgine Plako (August 24) · The Terentiev Family (August 26) · Nicolas Medrano (August 29)
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Stewardship
$2,351.00
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Please Remember in Your Prayers
We lift up the following in prayer, that God may grant them healing and grace:
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Today’s Saints
✠ Reflection on Matthew 19:16-26
As we behold the young man’s inquiry, we are reminded of Christ’s unwavering standard for righteousness. Jesus does not merely offer a list of dos and don’ts, but rather calls us to conform our lives to the image of God. The commandments He lists are not mere rules to be followed, but a reflection of the very heart of God – a heart that is merciful, just, and compassionate. In Christ’s words, we hear the gentle yet unyielding call to radical discipleship, where true treasure is found not in earthly possessions, but in following Him with all our hearts.
▶ In Case You Missed It
Father reflected on the story of Veronica, a woman who showed kindness and compassion to Jesus as he carried his cross during the Passion. According to tradition, her tears fell upon his face, leaving an imprint of his image on her cloth. This event has similarities with another icon in our parish, which bears an image of Christ not made by human hands but miraculously imprinted. Father reminded us that we can reverence and venerate this icon, but must preserve it for future generations. He encouraged us to reflect on the importance of faith and compassion, as demonstrated by Veronica’s selfless act, and to strive to emulate her kindness in our own lives.
▶ Watch last Sunday’s sermon — Sermon — Divine Liturgy & Catechumen Session, August 16, 2026
Did you know?
— The orarion is a long piece of liturgical fabric worn by the priest during Divine Liturgy, symbolizing his connection to Christ’s passion and death. Typically draped over the left shoulder, it represents the seamless tunic given to Christ at the Crucifixion, serving as a visual reminder of the priest’s role in offering spiritual sacrifice to God. The orarion is an integral part of Orthodox liturgical tradition, signifying the ongoing work of redemption through prayer and worship.
Bulletin Sponsor: August – Smith Family for the health of Nemo