Author: St. Andrew's

On Sunday, August 5, 2012, on the Eve of the Feast of Holy Transfiguration, we celebrated Vespers and the Blessing of Fruit. The blessing of fruit is a pious custom which finds its roots in the desire of the faithful to bless the first-fruits of the harvest, which become ready around the time of the feast. There is a poetic connection between the harvest and the Feast, as we see the tilled earth transfigured in the beauty of the fruit which comes forth from it, just as we see the beautiful fruit of our spiritual labors emerge in our lives. Below is an article written by Fr. John about the feast, from the most recent edition of The Cupola. Continue reading Holy Transfiguration 2012

On Sunday, August 5, 2012, we joyfully celebrated the Baptism and Chrismation of one of the newest members of our parish family, Alexander. He is the new son of Chris & Elvira Holfester. We were happy to meet their relatives and friends from out of town, and wish them much joy and happiness in their new life with Alexander. May God grant them many years!

Photos of the baptism may be viewed here.

On Sunday, August 5, we were sad to say so long (for now!) to our parish’s devoted and faithful son Christopher, who had been recently tonsured to the rank of Reader. Chris is heading to Purdue College to study fields related to aviation. You can read a wonderful interview with him in the current issue of The Cupola.

His Eminence Bishop Michael graciously took time from his busy schedule surrounding the Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Pilgrimage on Sunday, May 27 to visit Saint Andrew’s and its faithful, as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of their pastor Fr. John Klingel’s ordination to the Holy Priesthood. During his visit, His Grace tonsured our faithful altar server and singer, Chris Whitehorn, to the rank of Reader. At the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, His Grace formally awarded the jeweled cross, a loving gift from several parishioners, as well as the right to wear the palitza, upon Fr. John.

In presenting a gramota (citation) from the Holy Synod of Bishops, thanking Fr. John for his dedicated service over the last 25 years, His Grace remarked on the life of the Holy Apostle Paul, who supported his ministry through a career of tent-making. The lives of such ‘tentmaker’ priests, His Grace noted, are marked by their own unique difficulties and sacrifies. As Fr. John takes on the dual challenge of ministering to his parishioners, while also laboring in the world to support his family and ease the financial burden of his parish, he and his family frequently have to “do without,” offering their family life in devotion and service to Our Lord.

Following the joyful service, a celebratory reception was held at the nearby BiVio Ristorante, during which Fr. John offered words of thanks to the parish and his family, and Parish Council President Mark Guyer presented a slideshow of photos from Fr. John’s twenty-five years of ministry. The parish is particularly grateful to His Grace for his pastoral visitation and encouragement, and especially also to Deacon John Diamantis and his wife Andrea, of our mother parish of Holy Trinity in East Meadow, for joining us for the weekend.

Additional pictures of the Liturgy and meal may be viewed at here.