On Sunday, December 11, the parish community of St. Andrew’s was filled with joy in celebrating the baptism, chrismation, and reception into the Holy Orthodox Faith of the servant of God, Eric, who took the name John in baptism.
Category: News
Celebrating the Holy Dormition
On Monday, August 15, the community of St. Andrew’s gathered together for the Great Feast of the Holy Dormition – the celebration of the repose, and translation to everlasting-life, of the Mother of God.
This year, despite the difficulties faced by work days and summer camp schedules, Fr. John encouraged the faithful to keep the feast, and indeed 30 of us gathered together for the Festal Divine Liturgy, after which we celebrated the blessing of new flowers and herbs (traditionally in full blossom at this time of year and blessed on this feast). Afterward, we broke bread with a beautiful festive agape meal overseen by Andrea Filak.
This year’s celebration was made all the more beautiful and enriching thanks to the completion of a full set of new blue vestments and altar cloths; a color which is traditionally associated with the Theotokos and her feasts, and which were used for the first time during this celebration. The parish greatly appreciates the generosity of the donors who established this project in memory of their loved ones. We hope that all were spiritually nourished by the fullness of this celebration, and that in the years to come, we will always mark this Great Feast with zeal and love for the Mother of God.
Celebrating our 50th Anniversary
On May 15, 2016, our parish celebrated the great milestone of our fiftieth anniversary. We welcomed many parishioners past and present, clergy and faithful from near and far, and were led in worship and celebration by His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of New York.
During the festive Hierarchical Liturgy, His Eminence ordained Fred Fetkowitz to the rank of Reader, in recognition of his many years of devoted service singing and chanting in the church. His Eminence also ordained Reader John Rusinak to the rank of Subdeacon, in recognition of his steadfast service assisting in the altar and supervising it as sacristan. His Eminence also awarded a Synodal Gramota (official citation) to the parish, which was accepted by founders Ginger Jerosh and Edna Fetkowitz. A festive celebration followed at the Smithtown Country Club.
St. Andrew’s Celebrates a Joyous Summer Feast
Our parish was honored with the visit of His Eminence, Archbishop Michael of New York on July 26, 2015. In connection with His Eminence’s visit, our parish celebrated our annual summertime Parish ‘Mini’ Picnic. We also give thanks to God for two other wonderful events which occurred during this archpastoral visitation: His Eminence tonsured the servant Richard (John) into the ranks of the clergy and ordained him to the rank of Reader, and received the servant Eric into the ranks of the catechumen. We pray that they both will grow in grace and beauty before the Lord!
Rejoicing in a Double Baptism!
On July 19, our parish was blessed to celebrate the double-baptism of the children of God, Brook Ileana and Ondine Juliana. We congratulate their parents Stefan & Maya, their godparents Valentin & Cristina, and their grandparents Mark & Maria. Thank you to all who helped make this a beautiful day, and may God grant Ileana and Juliana many years!