As we continue our Paschal journey with joy and gratitude, today’s Gospel reading reminds us of the profound humility and love shown by Christ as He entered Jerusalem on a donkey. This momentous event marks the beginning of His final days in the flesh, and we are invited to reflect on the significance of this act, not just for the city of Jerusalem, but for all humanity.
Today’s worship will be marked by the Blessing of Palms, followed by Divine Liturgy, which will give us an opportunity to participate in the celebration of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We also have a number of important events taking place this week, including the Parish Council Confirmation on Palm Sunday afternoon and our Vespers service at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago.
We warmly invite you all to join us for worship today as we honor Christ’s majesty and humility, and to participate in the various events and activities that make up our parish life. You can find more information about these events on our Facebook page (facebook.com/stnicholasjoliet) or YouTube channel (youtube.com/@st.nicholasjoliet).
✦ About this Sunday
This Sunday’s scripture readings invite us to reflect on the nature of faith and obedience, as we hear St. Paul’s words about crucifying our flesh with its passions and desires, and Jesus’ healing of the centurion’s servant, who shows faith without seeing. Through these stories, we are reminded that true devotion is not merely a matter of external rituals or obligations, but rather a deep-seated commitment to living according to God’s will. As we gather for worship, let us seek to cultivate this kind of inner obedience and surrender to the Lord’s guidance in our lives.
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Today — June 28th, 2026
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Translation of the Relics of the holy and wonderworking Unmercenaries Cyrus and John (412)
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Ven. Xenophon, Abbot of Robeika (Novgorod—1262)
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Ven. Sergius and Herman, Wonderworkers of Valaam (ca. 1353)
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St. Paul, Physician of Corinth
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Icon of the Mother of God “Of the Three Hands” (8th c.)
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Hieromartyr Basil (1918)
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Holy Martyr Pappias (4th c.)
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Services
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Week Ahead
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Sat
Jul 4
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Sun
Jul 5
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5:00pm
General Service of Thanksgiving (Molieben)
5:40pm
Fellowship BBQ
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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
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☩ Coming up in Orthodoxy
Mon, Jun 29
The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul
Tue, Jun 30
Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious and All-praised Twelve Apostles: Peter, Andrew, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, the son of Alphæus, Jude, the brother of James, Simon the Zealot, and Matthias
Sun, Jul 5
Ven. Athanasius, Founder of the Great Lavra and Cœnobitic Monasticism on Mt. Athos, and his six disciples
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Announcements
birthdays, wedding anniversaries or memorial anniversaries. Hosting fellowship hour can be a great way
to multiply your happiness or divide your sorrow. Sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/2026-Fellowship-Hour — https://tinyurl.com/2026-Fellowship-Hour
your stewardship offering. You may mail your contribution to the church or donate on-line by clicking the
“Donate” button on our website. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please speak with Fr. Mykola.
Otherwise, we kindly ask for your continued support of our parish through faithful stewardship.
Marlo Perry, Aaron Weinert and Alex Thompson for chanting akathist service.
the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. This great feast is preceded by the Apostles’ Fast, one of the
Church’s oldest fasting seasons. Saints Peter and Paul are honored as the “pillars” of the Church and “first
in rank” among the Apostles. They devoted their lives to preaching the Gospel and were both martyred in
Rome. As we celebrate their feast, let us give thanks for their faithful witness and ask for their prayers.
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Parish Celebrations
Birthdays & Namedays: Happy Birthday to Gloria Dolomanji on June 30rdGlen Johnson on July 1st Karen Shepich on July 3rd, Mike Baker & Katerina Ouchakov on July 4th and Yulia Kulyna on July 5th. Happy Anniversary to Jennifer & Matthew Parvin on June 29th
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Stewardship
$319.55
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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
Did you know?
— The Cherubic Hymn, also known as the Cherubikon, is a beautiful and ancient hymn sung during the Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church. It is a poetic expression of prayer, invoking God’s presence among us through the Holy Spirit and Christ our Lord. As we chant this hymn, we ask that the heavenly host and the cherubic ranks be led before God, inviting all to come and worship with joy and gratitude.
Bulletin Sponsor: June — Smith Family for the health of Harold