On Sunday September 23, Fr. Nikolay Gulin, our former choir director and now an Assistant Priest assigned to the parish in Jersey City, was honored during the Hierarchical Liturgy celebrated there. His Grace, Bishop Michael, bestowed the first degree of priestly awards, the nabedrennik, upon Fr. Nikolay, in honor of his devoted service to the Church. Fr. Nikolay, who has taken on employment as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to support his ministry, has been commuting to Philadelphia early each Sunday morning to assist in ministering to the Russian-speaking community there. To Fr. Nikolay, we extend our praise and congratulations – “Axios! – He is worthy!” Please keep Father Nikolay and his wife, Matushka Viktoriya, in your prayers.
Author: St. Andrew's
Feast of the Holy Cross
On Thursday, September 13, we gathered together in the evening to celebrate the Vesperal Liturgy for the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Before the icon of the feast, as well as the Holy Cross, we sang the troparion of the feast, and special hymn “Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship, O Master, and Thy Holy Resurrection, we glorify!” You can read more about the feast, on the OCA website.
Annual Memorials at Calverton National Cemetery
Thank you to those who participated in our annual trip to Calverton National Cemetery, where we prayed over the grave of our much-beloved parishioner Jimmy (Demetrios) Micros, as well as many other departed parishioners who are buried at the cemetery. Fr. John offered brief remembrances of the lives of each. After attending to the graves, our group shared a memorial meal at a nearby restaurant, enjoying fellowship and stories. Thank you especially to Charlie Kaczinski for his generosity in hosting the meal.
Exploring Faith Through Film
We are anticipating the beginning of our first Fall Film Series!
In thinking of new social activities we could host, and new ways to reach out to people both within and beyond our parish, we are going to try a trial run of film screenings this fall. This first run will include four screenings, on Thursday nights, up until the Nativity Fast/Advent. All films will be screened in the Parish Hall, on a projector, beginning at 7:00 PM. We will have popcorn, soda, and some other light refreshments. We also can have a brief discussion after each film, if the audience is interested. There is no cost or fee to attend. Friends, family, members of other parishes – all are welcome! If you have any comments, suggestions, or recommendations, please send them to info@standrewsoca.org – thank you!
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Parish Picnic 2012
On Sunday, August 19, 2012, we enjoyed some time together in fellowship as a parish family during our 8th annual “Mini-Picnic”. Thanks to all who cleaned the hall, prepared the grounds, and manned the grill. There was an abundance of great food and fun, especially centering around the intense (and, sometimes, not so intense!) game of volleyball, with participants spanning the range of ages.
Photos of the event may be viewed here.