The purpose of the Sisterhood at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral is to provide a venue where its members can develop in Orthodox virtue under the guidance of the Rector through the labor of supporting and maintaining the holy temple of our Lord and God Jesus Christ. With the blessing of the Rector the sisterhood is directed by the Head Sister, currently Tanya Bilibin.

Among the responsibilities of the Sisterhood lies:

• Upkeep of the clerical and temple vestments
• Providing comfort and support to the elderly and infirm
• Visiting the dying and providing for a priest to visit them with Holy Communion
• Oversight of the maintenance in the temple and congregational areas
• Assisting the Church Warden and Rector in the acquisition and distribution of spiritual literature and educational materials

In order to procure the necessary funds for its projects, the Sisterhood engages in various funding raising activities, such as common meals on Sundays, sales, the annual bazaar and other activities. We provide for the maintenance of the church and church hall. Funds are also spent to upkeep the vestments for the clergy in the church (buying new vestments, sewing and dry cleaning). For Easter, the Twelve Major Feast Days and the Parish Feast Day the Sisterhood purchases flowers and decorates the church. Several times a year donations are sent to various monasteries and convents located in the Holy Land and Mexico. In special need circumstances gifts from the Sisterhood are given to the various members of the parish for Christmas and Easter.

The bazaar is the largest event held annually. It requires many hours of preparation and volunteers to make this event successful. We make and sell pelmeni, borsht, piroshki (fried and baked), shish kebobs and a variety of pastries. We invite everyone in our church community to help out.

All interested parties are encouraged to join the Sisterhood. The requirements are that you are a member of the parish and have a blessing of the Rector. Should you wish to enroll or have any questions, please contact Tanya Bilibin at sisterhood@saintnicholascathedral.org.

Please help the Sisterhood in its preparation for the bazaar. From June 1 we meet every Thursday from 10AM to about 3 or 4 PM. We have a great time through fellowship and helping the church!