Worship at our Mission
"The Divine Liturgy is the way we know God and the way God becomes known to us... Every member of the Church is an icon of the Kingdom of God." - St. Sophrony of Essex
We are currently holding worship at the Lewisburg Club, 131 Market Street, Lewisburg; entry through rear handicap accessible alley door, which is a direct entrance into the worship space is on the same level. At times we have services outdoors at our rural four-acre property on Felmey Road in Winfield, adjacent to our cemetery (formerly known as Chestnut Hill Cemetery), though this change will be noted on our homepage service calendar.
Confessions can be taken after Vespers, appointments preferred. Sunday Divine Liturgies typically last 1 hour and 15 minutes, and start with the Reading of the Hours 20 minutes prior to the service start time.
Communion is only available for Orthodox Christians who have prepared by fasting, prayer, and confession. If you are a baptized Orthodox in good-standing with the Church and desire to take communion and you are new to the parish, please talk with a member of the clergy beforehand. Non-Orthodox can still go up to receive a blessing from the priest at the end of the service.
All attendees are asked to dress modestly, including long dresses or skirts for women, (preferably also head coverings especially when taking Holy Communion), and pants with preferably long-sleeved shirts for men.
Services, classes and discussions are in English, though several members of the clergy and the laity can communicate in Russian or other languages.
As per traditional Orthodox practice, parishioners participate in the services in part by standing during the majority of its duration, and by optionally singing along with the choir. Available is seating for those who are unable to stand for long periods of time, no questions asked, and for sitting during the homily.
After Divine Liturgy, for most of the year, is coffee hour - a time for fellowship and a light meal - and Sunday School for children and young teens. Later in the day an adult Bible Study is available in Lewisburg (contact us for current details).
Here is a handbook of our jurisdiction's liturgical practices.
You are always welcome at our worship services! Worship of our Lord Jesus Christ provides safe harbor in stormy times. while humbled and repentant in prayer during this current crisis. Lord have mercy!
For information on or questions about services, please contact us at:
stjohnssf.parish@gmail.com or call (570)523-8876
Parish Troparion and Kontakion
Troparion of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco (Tone 5)
Lo, thy care for thy flock in its sojourn/ prefigured the supplications which thou dost ever offer up for the whole world./ Thus do we believe, having come to know thy love,/ O holy hierarch and wonderworker John./ Wholly sanctified by God/ through the ministry of the all-pure Mysteries/ and thyself ever strengthened thereby,/ thou didst hasten to the suffering,/ O most gladsome Healer.// Hasten now also to the aid of us who honour thee with all our heart.
Kontakion of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco
Thy heart hath gone out to all who entreat thee with love,/ O holy hierarch John,/ and who remember the struggle of thy whole industrious life,/ and thy painless and easy repose,// O faithful servant of the all-pure Directress.