On November 29 and 30, the parishioners of Saint Andrew’s Orthodox Church celebrated the patronal feast of their temple’s heavenly protector, the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. The feast was made all the greater by the presence of many visiting friends and fellow faithful, all together gathering around their archpastor, His Grace Bishop Michael.
For a number of reasons, the parish’s celebration of its Patronal Feast had fallen on hard times in the past. But in a small sign of the renewal we see all across our diocese, by the Grace of God and with the constant encouragement and presence of our beloved Bishop Michael, it has begun to flourish again. This year marked the first time the parish was able to celebrate the feast as it is appointed to be served – with a Vigil on the eve and the Divine Liturgy on the feast itself – in at least a decade.
It was a great joy for the choir to join with visiting singers to reacquaint the parish with the beautiful hymnography celebrating Saint Andrew, particularly during the festal Matins. The services proved to be a feast of faith, spiritually enriching all those who took time from their busy Thanksgiving Day weekend to offer true thanksgiving to Our Lord and His first-called apostle, Andrew. The festive meals shared afterwards allowed everyone to continue the joy and fellowship throughout the weekend.
The parish is deeply grateful to Bishop Michael for his ministry, presence, patience, and prayers with our community on this occasion. Likewise, the parish extends its gratitude to Fr. Seraphim Joa, Fr. John and Matushka Doreen Bartholomew, Fr. Nathan Preston, Subdeacon David Lucs, and Reader Robert and Kamelia Sirico – along with all of our guests, and all those who helped organize the services, reception, and beautiful dinner. We prayerfully anticipate joining together in unity again as one Orthodox community on Long Island, this upcoming Theophany – as we join together with Bishop Michael to bless the Island’s Great South Bay and the waters of the Atlantic.
Photographs can be viewed here.
Photo credits: Edna Fetkowitz, Keti Kvetenadze, Andrew Alexandrovich.
