As we gather for worship this Sunday, the fifth of Pascha, we find ourselves in the midst of a season that speaks to life, renewal, and the joy of our Lord’s resurrection. Today’s Gospel reading from John brings us face-to-face with the Samaritan Woman, whose encounter with Jesus reveals the depth of His love for humanity.
The lives of several saints are commemorated on this day as well: Apostle Simeon the Zealot, who was martyred in the 1st century, and St. Simon, Bishop of Vladimir and Suzdal’, who lived in the 13th century. We also remember Martyr Hesychius of Antioch from the 4th century and Bl. Isidora the Fool, of Tabenna in Egypt, also from the 4th century.
We invite you to join us for the Third Hour, Confession, and Divine Liturgy this morning, as we celebrate the risen Christ and give thanks for our spiritual heritage. You can also follow along with our services live on Facebook (facebook.com/stnicholasjoliet) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@st.nicholasjoliet).
✦ About this Sunday
Today, we gather to celebrate one of the most joyful feasts in our Orthodox calendar, the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and filled them with power. This feast reminds us that God is not a distant deity, but a loving Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who dwells within us and guides us towards union with Himself. As we commemorate this wondrous event, let us seek to be filled with the fire of love and wisdom, that we may be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and become vessels worthy of bearing the light of Christ to a world in need of hope and redemption.
☩ Holy Baptism & Chrismation
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Today — May 31st, 2026
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Holy Pentecost: Feast of the Holy Trinity
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St. Apollonios (Apollo) of the Egyptian Thebaid (395)
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Apostle Hermas of the Seventy (1st c.)
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Martyr Hermias at Comana (2nd c.)
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Martyr Philosophus at Alexandria (3rd c.)
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Metropolitan Philotheos of Tobolsk, the Enlightener of Siberia (1727)
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Services
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Week Ahead
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Mon
Jun 1
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Sat
Jun 6
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Sun
Jun 7
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9:30 am
Divine Liturgy
7:00 pm
Orthodox Bible Study
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Joliet IL, 1000 Barber Ln, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
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5:00 pm
Vespers
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9:40 am
Third & Sixth Hours · Confession
10:00 am
Divine Liturgy
11:40 am
Fellowship Hour
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☩ Coming up in Orthodoxy
Mon, Jun 1
Day of the Holy Spirit
Tue, Jun 2
Third Day of the Trinity
Wed, Jun 3
Afterfeast of Pentecost
Thu, Jun 4
“Surety of Sinners” Icon of the Mother of God of Korets
Fri, Jun 5
Afterfeast of Pentecost
Sat, Jun 6
Leavetaking of Pentecost
Sun, Jun 7
All Saints
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Announcements
Brian, Jacob, Josh, Joscelyn Smith, Aaron Weinert , Jim Ferencak, Richard Rogge,
Kateryna Mezhevikina, Dn. David Hanneman and Fr. Mykola for Old Cemetary
grounds clean up.
Igor Bodnar and Petro Novosilec for reinstallation sewer pipes for church kitchen
sink and fixing grease trap box.
Joseph Howe, Alex Thompson, Olga & Josadec Cerrato, Matushka
minutes earlier (at 9:30am) for the Summer season. This change will remain in effect until September 6th.
parishioners with medical bills. If you are unable to attend church on that day, you may mail your
contribution; please note “medical bills assistance” in the memo. May our Lord bless you for your
generosity.
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Parish Celebrations
Birthdays & Namedays: Olga Kartush on May 31st,, Yuliia Shetelynets on June 1st and Matthew Parvin June 6th
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Stewardship
$2,109.18
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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 John 7:37-52, 8:12
As we hear Jesus’ words, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink," we are reminded that He is the Fountain of Living Water, pouring out His Spirit upon those who believe in Him. This great gift of the Holy Spirit, promised from eternity, was still future for the Jews gathered around Christ, but for us, it has become a reality through our baptism into His death and resurrection. May we drink deeply from this fountain, that the rivers of living water may flow from within us, bearing witness to the divine life that we have received. In Christ’s words, we hear an invitation not only to salvation, but also to union with Him, that our lives may be transformed by the power of His Spirit.
Did you know?
— When venerated, an icon is not worshiped as an idol, but rather revered as a sacred image that reflects the presence of Christ and His saints. The act of veneration involves making a gentle bow or kiss to the icon, often accompanied by a prayer, in order to express devotion and gratitude for the faithfulness and blessings of those depicted. By venerating an icon, we pay homage to the living God who is spiritually present in the image, while also honoring the saints and individuals whose lives inspire us to follow Christ’s example.
Bulletin Sponsor: M ay — Smith Family for the health of Police/Fire/Military