The Fourth Sunday of Lent falls during the Apostles’ Fast, a period of spiritual preparation for the feast of the Ascension. The Epistle reading from Hebrews reminds us that God’s promise is unshakeable and He does not lie, yet we are exhorted to strive for perseverance in faith. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches about the power of faith, illustrating it with a paralytic man healed by Christ through his servants’ trust. The Apostles’ Fast also presents us with the opportunity to reflect on our own relationship with God and to seek forgiveness for our sins.
The week ahead is filled with Divine Liturgies and Vespers services. On Saturday evening, we gather for Great Vespers, preparing ourselves spiritually for the Lord’s Day. If you cannot be with us in person, the services are streamed live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stnicholasjoliet) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@st.nicholasjoliet). Come and pray with us.
✦ About this Sunday
As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded that faith and doubt can coexist within us. On this Sunday, we encounter a father who brings his possessed son to Christ in desperation, illustrating the complex nature of prayer and trust. This poignant Gospel reading invites us to reflect on our own struggles with faith, and to seek greater humility and reliance on God’s mercy.
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Today — July 5th, 2026
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St. John Climacus (of The Ladder)
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Hieromartyr Basil of Ancyra (†362-363)
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Martyr Drosís, daughter of Emperor Trajan
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Services
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Week Ahead
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Sat
Jul 11
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Sun
Jul 12
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5:00 pm
Vespers
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9:30 am
Divine Liturgy
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
Wed, Jul 8
The SITKA Icon of the Mother of God
Fri, Jul 10
Ven. Anthony of the Kiev Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia
Sun, Jul 12
Venerable Paisios of the Holy Mountain
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Announcements
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.
parking lot for special prayers and the annual blessing of vehicles and other forms of transportation.
Having asked God’s blessing upon our vehicles, we are reminded to use them for His glory. As Scripture
teaches, “Without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). May the Lord protect all drivers and passengers,
and grant them safe travels as they strive to glorify Him in all their journeys.
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
Nation’s Independence Day. Today, we continue the celebration with a festive BBQ. Veterans and active-duty service
members are encouraged to wear their uniforms or a service pin. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share, invite
a friend, and come with a grateful heart.
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Parish Celebrations
Birthdays & Namedays: Happy Birthday to Yulia Kulyna on July 5TH
Happy Anniversary to Iryna & Mike Baker on July 9TH and Svitlana & Wasyl Batko on July 2TH
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Stewardship
$1,043.01
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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
Bulletin Sponsor: July — Smith Family for the health of Adriana