2020 A.C.R.Y. ANNUAL - American Carpatho-Russian Diocesan Yearbook

2020

Diocesan Yearbook

Diocesan Yearbook

2020

American Carpatho-Russian Diocesan Yearbook 2020 A.C.R.Y. Annual Published by the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of North America and the National A.C.R.Y.

Indeed, when you submit to the Bishop as you would to Jesus Christ it is clear to me that you are living not in the manner of men but as Jesus Christ ... It is necessary, therefore, and such is your practice, that you do nothing without the Bishop.

Saint Ignatius of Antioch Letter to the Trallians 2, 1-2 (ca 110) Certainly it is now the Bishops who hold the place of the Apostles in the church.

They receive the authority of binding and loosing; they have as their lot the role of governing. It is a magnificent honor, but the honor that carries with it a heavy burden.

Saint Gregory the Great Homilies on the Gospels 2, 26, 5 (ca 509) 2020

Diocesan Yearbook

A Letter from the Editor to our Friends and Supporters Dearest Friends and Supporters of the A.C.R.Y. Annual, Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory be Forever!

O Father Nectarios, you are truly a great servant of the Lord, you have provided the faithful, with a shining example of holiness, and by your miracles you have made known, the healing power of the Holy Spirit.

Hymn from the Aposticha in honor of Saint Nectarios the Wonderworker While, Saint Nectarios is certainly not Carpatho-Russian by ancestry, he is like our saintly father Nicholas of Myra, Carpatho-Russian in spirit. He has been wellknown and trusted by the faithful of our Diocese and the members of the National A.C.R.Y. for many decades as a powerful intercessor especially on behalf of those battling cancer and other terminal diagnoses.

During his life, Saint Nectarios labored with love on behalf of the people who came to him for both spiritual and material needs and he has continued to offer himself to the people of God’s Holy Church through many and various miracles across the world since his blessed repose 100 years ago on November 8, 1920.

It is my pleasure with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa to dedicate the 2020 A.C.R.Y. Annual to this blessed and humble giant of our faith, the saintly Bishop Nectarios, the Wonderworker of Aegina.

As you read of his life and the spiritual impact he has had on our Diocesan Hierarch and the priests of our Diocese in the following pages you will find that Saint Nectarios relied upon the kindness and generosity of others in the time of his youth in Constantinople, through his days as a young monk on the island of Chios, as a teacher in the rural villages of Greece, as Dean of a theological school in Athens, and as a father and spiritual guide to the sisters of his monastery on Aegina.

Like the ministry of Saint Nectarios, it would be impossible for my staff and I to continue the good work of the A.C.R.Y. Annual without your continued generous support. I thank the Parish and Organizational Sponsors, and the many individuals, and families who generously donate financial resources in order to continue the vital ministry that the A.C.R.Y. Annual and Diocesan Yearbook has provided to our God-Saved Diocese from its beginning.

Rev. Matthew G. Stagon Rev. Matthew G. Stagon, Editor of the A.C.R.Y. Annual

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To access your Free Digital Copy of the 2020 A.C.R.Y. Annual visit

www.issuu.com/store/code enter the Free-Access Code Your Free-Access Code to the Digital 2020 A.C.R.Y. Annual :

2020

Diocesan Yearbook

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Table of Contents 2019-2020 National Senior A.C.R.Y. Officers Contact Information…...….Pages 6-7 Our Hierarchs……………………………………………………………………….….…...Pages 8-10 Diocesan Chancery and Christ the Saviour Cathedral Information…………..Page 11 Paschal Cycle…………….……………………………………………………………..………..Page 12 Sundays After Pentecost, Fasts and Fast-Free Weeks of the Church………...Page 13 Diocesan Patrons and Patronal Feast Days…………………………………………….Page 14 2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar………………………………………...Pages 16-39 2020 Revised Julian (New) Ecclesiastical Calendar…………………………...Pages 40-63 Moral and Sacramental Guidelines……………………………………………….…Pages 64-68 Insights into Contemporary Moral Problems……………………………….…..Pages 69-83 Diocesan Administration, Consistory and Board of Trustees………….….Pages 84-85 Diocesan Ministries and Commissions………………………………..…………..Pages 86-92 Diocesan Director of Youth…...………………………………….……………..…..Page 86 Diocesan Priests’ Pension Fund……………………………………………………..Page 86 Vicariate for Diocesan Liturgical Publications and Music………………….Page 86 Diocesan Building Commission……………………………………………………..Page 86 Foreign Missions Commission…..…………………………………………………..Page 86 Diocesan Education Commission.………………………………………………....Page 87 Diocesan Stewardship Commission………………………………………………..Page 87 Diocesan Apostolate for Youth (D.A.Y.)………………………………………...Page 87 Ecumenical Commission……………………………………………………………….Page 88 Diocesan Missions and Evangelism Commission……………………………..Page 88 Diocesan Carpatho-Rusyn Heritage Working Group…………………..……Page 88 Theological Advisor to the Bishop…………………………………………….…...Page 88 Canonical Advisor………………………………………………………………………..Page 88 Orthodox Christians for Life………………………………………………………….Page 88 Diocesan Apostolate for Information Technology…………………..……….Page 88 Diocesan Youth Camp, Retreat and Conference Center.………..………...Page 89 Diocesan Seminary……………..…………………………………………..……….…..Page 89 Diocesan Bookstores and Religious Gift Shops…………….………….……...Page 90 A.C.R.Y. Annual and Church Yearbook Staff…….………………….…..…...Page 90 St. John the Compassionate Mission……………….…………….……..………...Page 91

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Table of Contents

Holy Trinity Orthodox Christian Academy……………………………………..Page 92 Diocesan Publications: The Church Messenger and Daylight…………….Pages 93-96 Regional Breakdown of Diocese: Deaneries and Deans…………….…….Pages 97-101 Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA……………..…..Pages 102-103 Diocesan Church Directory (By State)………………………………….….….Pages 104-114 Central Events of the Diocese……………………………………………………..Pages 115-140 Diocesan Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate………………………………..Page 141 From the Metropolitan: My Relationship with St. Nektarios…………..Pages 142-146 Scenes from Camp Nazareth……………………………………………………...Pages 147-167 From Bitterness to Sweetness..…………..……………………………………….Pages 168-176 Parish Highlights from across the Diocese..………………………………….Pages 177-211 Chronology of Important Dates in Diocesan History...………………….Pages 212-221 American Carpatho-Russian Youth (A.C.R.Y.) Information…………..Pages 222-232 2019-2020 National Senior A.C.R.Y. Officers………………………………Pages 233-235 2019-2020 National Junior A.C.R.Y. Officers……………………….…………..…Page 235 Resolutions of the 75th A.C.R.Y. National Convention…………….......Pages 236-238 A.C.R.Y. Faces and Places………………………………………………………….Pages 239-246 2019 A.C.R.Y. Award Recipients……..…………………………………………Pages 247-248 A.C.R.Y. Activities…………………………………………………………………….Pages 249-256 First Holy Confessions……………………………………………………………….Pages 257-262 Graduates……………………………………………………………………..………….Pages 263-267 The Healing Power of Saint Nectarios………………………………………...Pages 268-271 Birthdays and Anniversaries……………………………………………………….Pages 272-274 New Diocesan Faces………………………………………………………………….Pages 275-276 The Lily of Aegina: the Life of Saint Nectarios of Aegina….……….....Pages 277-289 Necrology: Departed Hierarchs of our Diocese…………………………………...Page 290 In Memoriam: Protopresbyter George Havrila……………..……………………..Page 291 Deceased Clergy of the Diocese………………………………………………….Pages 292-294 Diocesan Clergy Directory………………………………………………………….Pages 294-301 Diocesan Deacons, Sub-Deacons and Tonsured Readers...………..….Pages 302-305 Diocesan Clergy Wives……………………………………………………..……….Pages 305-308 Widowed Diocesan Clergy Wives……………………………………………………...Page 308 2020 A.C.R.Y. Annual Sponsors…………………………………………………Pages 309-317 Future A.C.R.Y. Events………………………………………………………..…………...Page 318 2020

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2019-2020 National Senior A.C.R.Y. Officers Supreme Patron His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa...bishopgregoryofnyssa@gmail.com 312 Garfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15906………………..…………….……….(814) 539-9143 President Rachel Pribish………………………………………..…………………..………rachelprib@gmail.com 668 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202……………………….…………..(908) 247-2269

Vice President Aaron Zak………………………………………………………………………….aarondzak@gmail.com 3708 Foster Road, North Versailles, PA 15137………………………………...(724) 910-9719 Secretary Maryann Hudak…………………………………………………..…………….mhudak7139@aol.com 5A Buckingham Drive, Lakewood, NJ 08701…………………………………..(201) 988-3622 Financial Secretary Barbara Fitzgerald…………………………………………….……….sheffieldfitz@optononline.net 57 Grandview Drive, Woodland Park, NJ 07424………………..…………….(973) 742-9275 Treasurer Kevin Coffman……………………………………….……………………..………kcoff85@verizon.net 104 Jumper Lane, West Chester, PA 19382…………………………..………..(610) 399-1646 Chief Auditor Tracey Bilanin……………………………………………………………………...tbilanin@yahoo.com 2491 Jessica Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525…………………………….……….(484) 624-4664 Auditor Elizabeth Fabian……………………………………………………………….efabian1030@gmail.com 364 Second Avenue, Vestal, NY 13850……………………………………………(607) 221-8950 Auditor Nicholas Cizin……………………………………………………………………….ncizin11@gmail.com 97 Fisher Drive, Hillsborough, NJ 08876…………………………………………(908) 255-9906 Young Adult Trustee Paul Zdinak……………….………………………………………..................paulzdinak@gmail.com 141 Hoffman Farm Road, Windber, PA 15963……………………..…………(814) 701-9272 Sergeant-at-Arms Stephen Sudik…………………………………….……………….…………stephensudik@gmail.com 5615 Buckingham Place Court, Alexandria, VA 22315………………..……(703) 946-5985 Publicity Director Alexa Petrick…………………………………………………………………...petrickalexa@gmail.com 820 Arrow Lane, Ridgewood, NJ 07450…………………………..………………(201) 364-7762

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2019-2020 National Senior A.C.R.Y. Officers Junior Advisor Sarah Lavra………………………………………………………………………...sarahlavra@gmail.com 122 R. Pope Road, Stroudsburg, PA 18360………………………….…………..(412) 475-2928 Custodian of Properties Donna Yarina…………………………………………………..……………….d.yarina@atlanticbb.net 329 Diana Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906………………………………………..(814) 539-5429 Pittsburgh District President Robert Perevuznik, Jr…………………………………………………….………rpvuznik@gmail.com 246 Rosecrest Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146……………………………………(412) 952-6962 Senior Spiritual Advisor Protopresbyter Peter Paproski………………………………………….…...rpaproski@gmail.com P.O. Box 66, Phoenixville, PA 19640………………………………………………(610) 933-3336 Junior Spiritual Advisor Very Rev. Miles Zdinak……..……………………………………………………..frmiles@gmail.com 141 Hoffman Farm Road, Windber, PA 15963……………………………..…(814) 467-7444 Bishop Representative Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro………………………………………....fpmiloro@atlanticbb.net 157 Rockwell Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15905……………………………………(814) 410-3498 National Editor Rev. Matthew G. Stagon…………….…………………………………....fatherstagon@yahoo.com 66 Beach Street, Rockaway, NJ 07866……………………………………….…….(973) 627-1462 Annual Business Manager Rev. William Bennett………………………………………………..fr.william.bennett@gmail.com 288 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10009………………………………………(212) 254-6685 A.C.R.Y. Ambassador Jordan Polanichka…………………………….………………....……………jpolanichka@gmail.com 133 Bellefield Court, Gibsonia, PA 15044………………………………………..(724) 699-5495 Events Coordinator John J. Bilanin……………………………….……………………………..……...jbilanin@comcast.net 2491 Jessica Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525………………………………..…….(484) 624-4664

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Our Hierarchs

His All Holiness, Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch is the 270th successor of the 2,000 year-old local Christian Church founded by St. Andrew. As Archbishop of Constantinople and New Rome, Patriarch Bartholomew occupies the First Throne of the Orthodox Christian Church and presides in fraternal spirit among all the Orthodox Primates.

Born: February 29, 1940 Diaconate: August 13, 1961 Holy Priesthood: October 19, 1969 Enthronement as Metropolitan of Philadelphia: Christmas 1973 Enthronement as Metropolitan of Chalcedon: January 14, 1990 Enthronement in the Patriarchal Cathedral: November 2, 1991 Patronal Feast Day: June 11 His All Holiness Bartholomew Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch His Eminence, Elpidophoros, Archbishop of America was born in 1967 in Bakirkoy, Istanbul, Turkey. He studied at the Theological School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, from which he graduated in 1991. He was ordained a Deacon in 1994 and was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod in 1995. In March 2005 he was promoted to the position of Chief Secretary and was subsequently ordained to the Holy Priesthood. In March 2011 he was elected Metropolitan of Bursa and in August of that same year was appointed Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of the Holy Trinity on the island of Chalki. He was enthroned as Archbishop of America on June 22, 2019 in New York City.

His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

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Our Hierarchs His

Eminence,

Metropolitan

Gregory, Titular Bishop of Nyssa, was born in Charlotte, NC on December 7, 1958, with the baptismal name of George, the first of two children of Peter and Antonia Tatsis. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earning a BA degree in Biology (1981) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte earning a MS degree in Biology (1989). Working for more than 20 years in the field of Cardiovascular Research at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC, he authored/ coauthored over one hundred articles, abstracts and book chapters.

A true son of the Church, from his early youth Metropolitan Gregory served in his home parish of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte, NC in various capacities including altar server, Sunday School teacher for 13 years and in several leadership positions including Parish Council President. He was also a founding member of St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, NC where served on the Parish Organizing Committee, as Sunday School teacher for four years, as a member of the choir and as its first Parish Council President.

Alaska sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, Metropolitan Gregory felt the calling to pursue his life-long dream of studying for the Holy Priesthood. Leaving his secular job in 2003, he entered Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA in the Fall of 2003 and graduated in May of 2006 with the Masters of Divinity degree.

Metropolitan Gregory was ordained to the diaconate at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte, NC on November 4, 2006 by His Eminence, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta. He was tonsured a Monk at Agia Lavra Monastery in Kalavryta, Greece on After taking part in a mission trip to January 17, 2007, receiving the name His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa Ruling Bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese 2020

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Our Hierarchs Grigorios with St. Gregory Palamas as his Patron Saint. He was ordained a priest at Annunciation Greek Orthodoxdox Cathedral in Atlanta, GA on January 28, 2007, also by His Eminence, Metropolitan Alexios of the Metropolis of Atlanta and was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite on the same day. On February 1, 2007, he was appointed as the Ierokyrix (Itinerant Preacher) of the Metropolis of Atlanta. On September 14, 2007, he received the offikion (rank) of Confessor at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Chapel in Atlanta, GA. Serving in his role as Itinerant Preacher and Confessor, Metropolitan Gregory travelled extensively throughout the Metropolis of Atlanta, where he led parish retreats, heard confessions and provided spiritual directions to countless numbers of clergy and faithful. Recognizing his affinity for youth ministry and administrative skills, he was given the responsibility of overseeing all youth programs in the Metropolis of Atlanta.

Bishop of Nyssa and ruling Hierarch of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA by the Sacred and Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on August 30, 2012. He was consecrated to the Episcopacy and enthroned as the fourth ruling bishop of the Diocese on November 27, 2012 at Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral in Johnstown, PA. Since his enthronement as Diocesan Bishop he has ordained many men to the ordained ministry for service to our Diocese and has worked diligently together with the National A.C.R.Y. to revitalize the organization. He spends four weeks each summer enjoying fellowship and fun with young people from across the Diocese.

Seeing the love and dedication to young people, His Eminence was assigned by the Assembly of Bishops to be the Episcopal Overseer of the National Orthodox Christian Fellowship, where he Metropolitan Gregory also served as the works to keep our college students Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Greek growing their life in Christ while in Orthodox Church in Raleigh, NC from school.

December 20, 2010 until May 31, In the fall of 2017, his brother Bishops 2011. From October 1, 2011 until Sepagain honored him by electing him as tember 30, 2012, he served as Dean of the Secretary of the Assembly of Bishthe Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Caops. thedral in New Orleans, LA, and as Vicar of the Western Conference of the In the fall of 2018, he was elevated to Metropolis of Atlanta. the rank of Metropolitan by the Sacred and Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Metropolitan Gregory was nominated Patriarchate of Constantinople. He reas the successor to His Eminence, Metmarked that this was a great honor not ropolitan Nicholas of Amissos by the only for himself but for the whole Dioclergy of the American Carpathocese.

Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA at a Special Assembly on July 14, 2012.

He was canonically elected Titular

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Chancery and Cathedral Information

Christ the Saviour Cathedral 300 Garfield Street Johnstown, PA Phone: (814) 539-8086

Diocesan Chancery Building 312 Garfield Street Johnstown, PA Phone: (814) 539-9143 Fax: (814) 536-4699 Business Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open Monday thru Friday Closed on Church Holy Days and National Holidays

Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Diocesan Chancellor

Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert A. Buczak, Cathedral Dean

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Diocesan Yearbook

February 24 March 15 March 7

February 2

February 21

February 13

2031

2032

2033

April 24

April 17

March 28

April 13

April 13 May 2

April 21

April 28

June 2

June 10

May 22

June 6

May 17

May 25

June 10

May 21

May 29

June 13

May 25

June 2

June 10

May 28

Ascension of Christ

June 12

June 20

June 1

June 16

May 27

June 4

June 20

May 31

June 8

June 23

June 4

June 12

June 20

June 7

Pentecost

Italics indicates dates when the Feast of Pascha is celebrated together among the Orthodox and Western Churches.

* Indicates Leap Years

March 11

February 17

2030

April 1

April 8

February 19

January 28

2029

April 16

April 16

February 6

2028*

April 5

February 28

March 15

February 21

2027

April 12

April 20

April 20 March 28

February 23

February 1

2026

March 31

April 9

April 17

May 5

April 16

April 24

April 4

April 12

Western Pascha

May 2

March 3

February 9

2025

February 27

February 5

2023 March 18

March 7

February 13

2022

February 25

March 15

February 21

2021

2024*

April 19

March 2

February 9

2020* May 2

Pascha

Year Sunday of Beginning from the the Publiof Great Birth of can and Lent Christ Pharisee

June 20

June 28

June 9

June 24

June 4

June 12

June 28

June 8

June 16

July 1

June 12

June 20

June 28

June 15

Apostles Fast Begins

Paschal Cycle Years of our Lord 2020—2033

2020

Sundays After Pentecost 2nd Sunday 3rd Sunday 4th Sunday 5th Sunday 6th Sunday 7th Sunday 8th Sunday 9th Sunday 10th Sunday 11th Sunday 12th Sunday

(Tone 1) (Tone 2) (Tone 3) (Tone 4) (Tone 5) (Tone 6) (Tone 7) (Tone 8) (Tone 1) (Tone 2) (Tone 3)

13th Sunday (Tone 4) 14th Sunday (Tone 5) 15th Sunday (Tone 6) 16th Sunday (Tone 7) 17th Sunday (Tone 8) 18th Sunday (Tone 1) 19th Sunday (Tone 2) 20th Sunday (Tone 3) 21st Sunday (Tone 4) 22nd Sunday (Tone 5) 23rd Sunday (Tone 6)

24th Sunday (Tone 7) 25th Sunday (Tone 8) 26th Sunday (Tone 1) 27th Sunday (Tone 2) 28th Sunday (Tone 3) 29th Sunday (Tone 4) 30th Sunday (Tone 5) 31st Sunday (Tone 6) 32nd Sunday (Tone 7)

Fasts of the Orthodox Church Julian Calendar

Revised Julian Calendar

January 6 (Nativity Eve) January 18 (Theophany Eve) March 2—April 18 (Great Lent) June 15—July 11 (Apostles Fast) August 14—August 27 (Dormition Fast) September 11 (Beheading of St. John) September 27 (Elevation of the Cross) November 28—January 6 (Nativity Fast)

January 5 (Theophany Eve) March 2—April 18 (Great Lent) June 15—June 28 (Apostles Fast) August 1—August 14 (Dormition Fast) August 29 (Beheading of St. John) September 14 (Elevation of the Cross) November 15—December 24 (Nativity Fast) December 24 (Nativity Eve)

Fast-Free Weeks Julian Calendar The Period following Christmas, January 7—17 The week following the Publican and Pharisee, February 10—February 14 Bright Week following Pascha, April 20—April 25 The week following Pentecost, June 8—June 14 The Friday following Thanksgiving by special blessing of Bishop, November 27 Revised Julian Calendar The week following the Publican and Pharisee, February 10—February 14 Bright Week following Pascha, April 20—April 25 The week following Pentecost, June 8—June 14 The Friday following Thanksgiving by special blessing of Bishop, November 27 The Period following Christmas, December 25—January 4 2020

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Diocesan Patrons and Patronal Feasts St. Stephen, the Proto-Martyr - Diocesan Deacons January 9 (Julian Calendar) December 27 (Revised Julian Calendar) Holy Innocents - Diocesan Youth Camp January 11 (Julian Calendar) December 29 (Revised Julian Calendar) St. Basil the Great - Diocesan Priests January 14 (Julian Calendar) January 1 (Revised Julian Calendar) Saints Athanasius and Cyril - Church School Teachers January 31 (Julian Calendar) January 18 (Revised Julian Calendar) St. Timothy the Apostle - Diocesan Altar Servers February 4 (Julian Calendar) January 21 (Revised Julian Calendar) Three Holy Hierarchs– Diocesan Seminarians February 12 (Julian Calendar) January 30 (Revised Julian Calendar)

Saints Simeon the God-Receiver and Anna- Senior Citizens February 16 (Julian Calendar) February 3 (Revised Julian Calendar) Saints Cyril and Methodios - National A.C.R.Y. May 24 (Julian Calendar) May 11 (Revised Julian Calendar) St. Sophia and her Three Daughters - Diocesan Panis September 30 (Julian Calendar) September 17 (Revised Julian Calendar) St. Romanos the Melodist - Cantors and Choir Directors October 14 (Julian Calendar) October 1 (Revised Julian Calendar) St. John Chrysostom - Seminary Alumni Association November 26 (Julian Calendar) November 13 (Revised Julian Calendar) St. Gregory Palamas - Metropolitan Gregory’s Name Day November 27 (Julian Calendar) November 14 (Revised Julian Calendar) St. Andrew the Apostle - Ecumenical Patriarchate and Archons December 13 (Julian Calendar) November 30 (Revised Julian Calendar)

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker - Diocesan Church Schools December 19 (Julian Calendar) December 6 (Revised Julian Calendar)

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2020 Ecclesiastical Calendar Some notes regarding the Ecclesiastical Calendar: The Ecclesiastical Calendar in the 2020 A.C.R.Y. Annual is broken into two sections. The first (beginning on page 16) is dedicated to the Julian (or Old) Calendar The second (beginning on Page 40) is dedicated to the Revised Julian (or New) Calendar.

Down the side of certain pages are panels which denote the special fasting seasons (Great Lent, Nativity Fast, Dormition Fast, and the Apostles Fast) and weeks that should be held as Fast-Free Weeks (that is weeks following major feast days where fasting is prohibited.

The Purple panels with white lettering down the sides of specific pages denote Fasting Seasons while the white with black lettering denote Fast-Free Weeks.

These Fasting Seasons and Fast-Free Weeks are also listed on Page 13 of the A.C.R.Y. Annual and should be kept by the clergy and faithful as such. While all days during fasting seasons are technically Strict Fast days, those days which fall outside of fasting seasons and especially solemn days within them are marked in red.

Each date on the calendar describes the typical Liturgical celebrations and commemorations for each day according to Diocesan Practices for both the Julian and Revised Julian Calendars in use.

Additional Notes: On Sundays and Holy Days it is listed as to whether the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom or St. Basil the Great ought to be offered. Pay close attention to this especially during Great Lent.

Assigned Scriptural Readings are shared for each Liturgical day. On certain Sunday and Holy Days where multiple Epistles and Gospels are included for multiple commemorations on those days, one Epistle and one Gospel should be chosen (or the correct Epistle/s and Gospel/s will be designated prior to the celebration by the Diocese).

The Liturgical Color refers to the color worn by the vested clergy for each Liturgical day and not necessarily to the color of the Altar Clothes and other linens in the Church, although, on many days these will coordinate to one another.

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2020 Ecclesiastical Calendar According to the Julian Calendar

Fast-Free Week through January 17

Advent Fast (November 28—January 6

Of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese Sunday and Holy Day Observances Sunday January 5

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 29 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 4

Sunday Before the Nativity

Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40

Nun-Martyr Eugenia

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25 Liturgical Color: Purple

Monday January 6

Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Eve of the Nativity

Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-12

Strict Fast

Gospel: Luke 2:1-20

Great Compline of the Nativity Liturgical Color: Gold Tuesday January 7

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Nativity of our Lord

Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 Liturgical Color: Gold

Wednesday January 8

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Mother of God

Epistle: Hebrews 2:11-18 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-25 Liturgical Color: Gold

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2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Thursday January 9

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Proto-martyr Stephen

Apostolic Reading: Acts 6:8—7:5, 47-60 Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42 Liturgical Color: Gold

Saturday January 11

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Holy Innocents

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:15-21

Fast-Free Week through January 17

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23 Liturgical Color: Gold Sunday January 12

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 30 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 5

Sunday Before Theophany

Epistle: 2 Timothy 4:5-8

Virgin-martyr Anysia

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

at Thessalonica

Liturgical Color: Gold Monday January 13

St. Dositej Monday January(Vasic) 13 the Confessor, Bishop in Carpatho-Rus, and Metropolitan of Zagreb is commemorated on this day.

Tuesday January 14

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Circumcision of our Lord

Epistle: Colossians 2:8-12 (Circumcision)

St. Basil the Great

Epistle: Hebrews 7:26-28, 8:1-2 (Basil) Gospel: Luke 2:20-21, 40-52 (Circumcision) Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19 (Basil) Liturgical Color: Gold

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2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Saturday January 18

Vesperal Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Eve of Theophany

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Strict Fast

Gospel: Luke 3:1-18 Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday January 19

Divine Liturgy of Basil the Great

Sunday 31 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 6

Theophany of our Lord

Epistle: Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7

Great Sanctification of Water

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 Liturgical Color: Gold

Monday January 20

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Holy Prophet

Apostolic Reading: Acts 19:1-8

Forerunner of Christ,

Gospel: John 1:29-34

and Baptist John

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday January 26

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 32 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 7

Sunday After Theophany

Epistle: Ephesians 4:7-13

Martyrs Hermylus and

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17

Stratonicos at Belgrade

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday February 2

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 33 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 8

Sunday of Zacchaeus

Epistle: 1 Timothy 4:9-16

Venerable Euthymios

Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

the Great

Liturgical Color: Gold

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Fast-Free Week through February 14

2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Sunday February 9

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of the Publican

Resurrection Tone 1

and Pharisee

Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:10-15

Translation of the Relics

Gospel: Luke 18:10-14

of St. John Chrysostom

Liturgical Color: Gold

Monday February 10

Monday February 10

St. Ephraim of Novy Torzok, brother of St. Moses the Carpathian

St. Ephrem of Novy Torzok is commemorated on this day.

Wednesday February 12

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Three Holy

Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16

Hierarchs: Basil the Great,

Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19

Gregory the Theologian,

Liturgical Color: Gold

and John Chrysostom Saturday February 15

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Presentation of our Lord

Epistle: Hebrews 7:7-17

Blessing of Candles

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 Liturgical Color: Gold Monday February 17

Repose of Metropolitan Orestes P. Chornock in 1977.

Sunday February 16

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Resurrection Tone 2

Righteous Symeon the

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

God-Receiver and

Gospel: Luke 15:11-32

Anna the Prophetess

Liturgical Color: Gold

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Saturday February 22

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

1st Soul Saturday

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 10:23-29

Martyr Nicephoros

Gospel: Luke 21:8-9, 25-27, 33-36

of Antioch

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday February 23

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of Last Judgment

Resurrection Tone 3

Hiero-martyr Charalampus,

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:8—9:2

Bishop of Magnesia

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Meat-Fare Sunday

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday March 1

Morning: Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of Forgiveness

Resurrection Tone 4

Hiero-martyr Pamphilus

Epistle: Romans 13:11—14:4

Cheese-Fare Sunday

Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21 Liturgical Color: Gold Evening: Forgiveness Vespers

Liturgical Color: Gold (Change to Purple) Monday March 2

Lenten Fast through April 18

First Day of the Great Fast

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Monday March 2

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 1)

Clean Monday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Tuesday March 3

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 2)

Clean Tuesday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Wednesday March 4

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 3)

Clean Wednesday

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Thursday March 5

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 4) Liturgical Color: Purple

Friday March 6

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy of St. Gregory the Great Liturgical Color: Purple

Saturday March 7

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Commemoration of the

Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-12

Miracle of St. Theodore Tyro

Gospel: Mark 2:23—3:5

Lenten Fast through April 18

Liturgical Color: Purple

Sunday March 8

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

1st Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 5

Sunday of Orthodoxy

Epistle: Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40, 12:1-2

Hiero-martyr Polycarp,

Gospel: John 1:43-51

Bishop of Smyrna

Liturgical Color: Gold

Procession of Icons

Triumph of Orthodoxy Vespers Friday March 13

Repose of Metropolitan Nicholas Smisko in 2011.

Saturday March 14

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

2nd Soul Saturday

Epistle: Hebrews 3:12-16

Martyr Eudocia of Heliopolis

Gospel: Mark 1:35-44 Liturgical Color: Purple

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Lenten Fast through April 18

2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Sunday March 15

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

2rd Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 6

St. Gregory Palamas

Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-14, 2:1-3

Hiero-confessor Theodotus,

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

Bishop of Cyrenia on Cyprus

Liturgical Color: Purple

Saturday March 21

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

3rd Soul Saturday

Epistle: Hebrews 10:32-38

St. Theophylact,

Gospel: Mark 2:14-17

Bishop of Nicomedia

Liturgical Color: Purple

Sunday March 22

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

3rd Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 7

Veneration of the Holy Cross

Epistle: Hebrews 4:14—5:6

Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste

Gospel: Mark 8:34—9:1 Liturgical Color: Red or Burgundy

Saturday March 28

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

4th Soul Saturday

Epistle: Hebrews 6:9-12

Martyr Agapius

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

and his Companions

Liturgical Color: Purple

Sunday March 29

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

4th Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 8

St. John Climacus

Epistle: Hebrews 6:13-20

Martyr Sabinus

Gospel: Mark 9:17-31

of Hermopolis

Liturgical Color: Purple

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Thursday April 2

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete

Saturday April 4

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Saturday of the Akathist Hymn

Epistle: Hebrews 9:1-7

Hiero-martyr Basil of Ancyra

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

Lenten Fast through April 18

Liturgical Color: Gold Sunday April 5

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

5th Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 1

St. Mary of Egypt

Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14

Monk-martyr Nikon and

Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

199 Disciples in Sicily

Liturgical Color: Purple

Tuesday April 7

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Annunciation of the

Epistle: Hebrews 2:11-18

Mother of God

Luke 1:24-38 Liturgical Color: Blue

Saturday April 11

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Lazarus Saturday

Epistle: Hebrews 12:28—13:8 Gospel: John 11:1-45 Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday April 12

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Palm Sunday

Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9

Triumphal Entrance of our

Gospel: John 12:1-18

Lord into Jerusalem

Liturgical Color: Gold

Blessing of Willows and Palms 2020

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Monday April 13

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Great and Holy Monday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Tuesday April 14

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Great and Holy Tuesday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Wednesday April 15

Morning: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Great and Holy Wednesday

Evening: Mystery of Holy Unction

Holy (Passion) Week through April 18

Liturgical Color: Purple Thursday April 16

Morning: Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Great and Holy Thursday

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 Gospel: Matthew 26:1-27, 27:1-3; John 13:3-17; Luke 22:43-44 Evening: Matins of Great and Holy Friday Liturgical Color: Purple

Friday April 17

Morning: Royal Hours

Great and Holy Friday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Strict Fast

Evening: Great Vespers of Holy Friday Liturgical Color: Black

Saturday April 18

Morning: Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Great and Holy Saturday

Liturgical Color: Black (Change to White)

Strict Fast

Epistle: Romans 6:3-11 Gospel: Matthew 28:1-20 Evening: Resurrection Matins Liturgical Color: White

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Sunday April 19

Morning: Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Great and Holy Pascha:

Apostolic Reading: Acts 1:1-8

The Glorious Resurrection

Gospel: John 1:1-17

of our Lord and Savior

Liturgical Color: White

Blessing of Paschal Foods

Evening: Paschal Vespers Gospel: John 20:19-25

Fast-Free Week through Saturday April 25

Liturgical Color: White Monday April 20

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Bright Monday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 1:12-17, 21-26 Gospel: John 1:18-28

Liturgical Color: White

Processional Gospels: Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10 Tuesday April 21

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Bright Tuesday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 2:14-21

Gospel: Luke 24:12-35 Liturgical Color: White

Friday April 24

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Bright Friday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 3:1-8 Gospel: John 2:12-22 Liturgical Color: White

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2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Sunday April 26

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

2nd Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 1

Sunday of St. Thomas

Apostolic Reading: Acts 5:12-20

Hiero-martyr Artemon,

Gospel: John 20:19-31

Priest of Laodicea in Syria

Liturgical Color: White

Sunday May 3

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

3rd Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 2

Sunday of the

Apostolic Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Myrrh-Bearing Women

Gospel: Mark 15:42-47, 16:1-8

St. Theodore Trichinas,

Liturgical Color: White

hermit near Constantinople Wednesday May 6

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Holy Great-martyr,

Apostolic Reading: Acts 12:1-11

Wonderworker, and

Gospel: John 15:17—16:2

Victory-bearer George

Liturgical Color: White Thursday May 7

St. Alexis Toth, Priest of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is commemorated on this day.

Sunday May 10

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

4th Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 3

Sunday of the Paralytic

Apostolic Reading: Acts 9:32-42

Apostle of the Seventy

Gospel: John 5:1-15

and Hiero-martyr Symeon,

Liturgical Color: White

the kinsman of the Lord

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Wednesday May 13

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Mid-Pentecost

Apostolic Reading: Acts 14:6-18 Gospel: John 7:14-30 Liturgical Color: White

Sunday May 17

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

5th Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 4

Sunday of the

Apostolic Reading: Acts 11:19-30

Samaritan Woman

Gospel: John 4:5-42

Virgin-martyr Pelagia of

Liturgical Color: White

Tarsus in Asia Minor Sunday May 24

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

6th Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 5

Sunday of the

Apostolic Reading: Acts 16:16-34 (Sunday)

Man Born Blind

Epistle: Hebrews 7:26—8:2 (Saints)

Saints Cyril and Methodios,

Gospel: John 9:1-38 (Sunday)

Equal-to-the-Apostles and

Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19 (Saints)

Teachers of the Slavs

Liturgical Color: White

Thursday May 28

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Ascension of our Lord

Apostolic Reading: Acts 1:1-12 Gospel: Luke 24:36-53 Liturgical Color: White

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Fast-Free Week through June 14

2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Sunday May 31

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

7th Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 6

Sunday of the Fathers of the

Apostolic Reading: Acts 20:16-18, 28-36

1st Ecumenical Council

Gospel: John 17:1-13

Martyr Theodotos of Ancyra

Liturgical Color: White

Saturday June 6

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

5th Soul Saturday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 28:1-31

St. Symeon the Stylite,

Gospel: John 21:15-25

of the Wonderful Mountain

Liturgical Color: White

Sunday June 7

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Pentecost– Trinity Sunday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Descent of the Holy Spirit

Gospel: John 7:37-52, 8:12

Kneeling Prayers of Pentecost

Liturgical Color: Green

Monday June 8

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Pentecost Monday:

Epistle: Ephesians 5:9-19

Day of the Holy Spirit

Gospel: Matthew 18:10-20 Liturgical Color: Green

Processional Gospels: Matthew 12:30-37; Mark 13:9-13; Luke 11:9-13; John 16:2-13 28

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Sunday June 14

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 1 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 8

Sunday of All Saints

Epistle: Hebrews 11:33—12:2

Martyr Justin the

Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30

Philosopher and Companions

Liturgical Color: Green

Monday June 15 First Day of the Apostles Fast Sunday June 21

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 2 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 1

Synaxis of the Saints

Epistle: Romans 2:10-16

of Carpatho-Rus

Gospel: Matthew 4:18-23

Translation of the Relics

Liturgical Color: Green

Apostles Fast through July 11

of St. Theodore Stratelates Sunday June 28

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 3 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 2

Holy Prophet Amos

Epistle: Romans 5:1-10

Gospel: Matthew 6:22-33 Liturgical Color: Green Sunday July 5

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 4 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 3

Hiero-martyr Eusebius,

Epistle: Romans 6:18-23

Bishop of Samosata

Gospel: Matthew 8:5-13 Liturgical Color: Green

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Apostles Fast

2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Tuesday July 7

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Nativity of the Holy Prophet

Epistle: Romans 13:11—14:4

Forerunner of Christ,

Gospel: Luke 1:1-25, 57-69, 76, 80

and Baptist John

Liturgical Color: Green

Sunday July 12

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 5 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 4

Holy Prime Apostles

Epistle: Romans 10:1-10 (Sunday)

Peter and Paul

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:21—12:9 (Apostles) Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34(Sunday) Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19 (Apostles)

Liturgical Color: Green Monday July 13

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Holy

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16

Twelve Apostles

Gospel: Mark 3:13-19 Liturgical Color: Green

Sunday July 19

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 6 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 5

Venerable Sisoes

Epistle: Romans 12:6-14

the Great of Egypt

Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8 Liturgical Color: Green

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Sunday July 26

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 7 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 6

Sunday of the Fathers of the

Epistle: Romans 15:1-7 (Sunday)

First Six Ecumenical Councils

Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16 (Fathers)

Synaxis of the Holy

Gospel: Matthew 9:27-35 (Sunday)

Archangel Gabriel

Gospel: John 17:1-13 (Fathers) Liturgical Color: Green Tuesday July 28

Venerable Job of Mala Ugol’ka is commemorated on this day.

Sunday August 2

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 8 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 7

Holy and Glorious Prophet

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (Sunday)

Elijah the Tishbite

Epistle: James 5:10-20 (Elijah) Gospel: Matthew 14:14-22 (Sunday) Gospel: Luke 4:22-30 (Elijah) Liturgical Color: Gold

Saturday August 8

St. Moses the Carpathian of the Kiev Caves is commemorated on this day.

Sunday August 9

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 9 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 8

Holy and Great-martyr and

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17

Healer Panteleimon

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34 Liturgical Color: Gold Friday August 14

First Day of the Dormition Fast

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Dormtion Fast through August 27

2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Sunday August 16

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 10 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 1

Venerables Isaac, Faustus

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16

and Dalmatus

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23

of Dalmatian Monastery

Liturgical Color: Blue

Wednesday August 19

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Transfiguration of our Lord

Epistle: 2 Peter 1:10-19

Blessing of Grapes and Fruits

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 Liturgical Color: White

Sunday August 23

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 11 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 2

Hiero-martyrs Archdeacon

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:2-12

Lawrence and Pope Sixtus

Gospel: Matthew 18:23-35

of Rome

Liturgical Color: Blue

Friday August 28

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Dormition of the

Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11

Mother of God

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

Blessing of Flowers and Herbs

Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday August 30

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 12 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 3

Hiero-martyr Myron,

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Priest of Cyzicus

Gospel: Matthew 19:16-26 Liturgical Color: Blue

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Sunday September 6

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 13 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 4

Hiero-martyer Euthychius

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 16:13-24

St. Maxim Sandovic,

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42

Hiero-martyr of Gorlice

Liturgical Color: Gold

Friday September 11

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Beheading of the Holy Prophet

Apostolic Reading: Acts 13:25-32

Forerunner of Christ,

Gospel: Mark 6:14-30

and Baptist John

Liturgical Color: Red or Burgundy

Strict Fast Sunday September 13

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 14 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 5

Placing of the Cincture of the

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 1:21—2:4

Mother of God

Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14 Liturgical Color: Gold

Monday September 14

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

The Indiction:

Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Ecclesiastical New Year

Gospel: Luke 44:16-22

Symeon the Stylite, the Elder

Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday September 20

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 15 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 6

Sunday before Cross Elevation

Epistle: Galatians 6:11-18 (Cross)

Martyr Sozon of Cilicia

Gospel: John 3:13-17 (Cross) Liturgical Color: Gold

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2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Monday September 21

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Nativity of the Mother of God

Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11 Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28 Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday September 27

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 16 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 7

Elevation of the Precious and

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (Cross)

Life-giving Cross of our Lord

Gospel: John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35

Strict Fast

Liturgical Color: Red Wednesday September 30

Repose of Bishop R. Martin in 1984.

Sunday October 4

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 17 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 8

Sunday After Cross Elevation

Epistle: Galatians 2:16-20

Apostle Quadratus

Gospel: Mark 8:34—9:1

of the Seventy

Liturgical Color: Red

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Sunday October 11

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 18 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 1

St. Chariton the Confessor

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 Liturgical Color: Gold

Monday October 12 Thanksgiving Day in Canada.

Wednesday October 14

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Protection of the

Epistle: Hebrews 9:1-7

Mother of God

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

St. Romanos the Melodist

Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday October 18

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 19 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 2

Martyr Charitina of Amissos

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:31—12:9 Gospel: Luke 6:31-36 Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday October 25

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 20 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 3

Sunday of the Fathers of the

Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16

Seventh Ecumenical Council

Gospel: John 17:1-13 Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday November 1

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 21 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 4

Prophet Joel

Epistle: Galatians 2:16-20 Gospel: Luke 8:5-15 Liturgical Color: Gold

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2020 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Sunday November 8

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 22 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 5

Holy Great-martyr and

Epistle: Galatians 6:11-18

Myrrh-Streamer Demetrios

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

of Thessalonica

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday November 15

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 23 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 6

Martyrs Acindynus, Pegasius,

Epistle: Ephesians 2:4-10

Apthonius, Elpidophoros,

Gospel: Luke 8:26-39

Anempodistus and Companions

Liturgical Color: Gold

Saturday November 21

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Holy Archangel

Epistle: Hebrews 2:2-10

Michael and all the Honorable

Gospel: Luke 10:16-21

Bodiless Powers of Heaven

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday November 22

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 24 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 7

Marytr Onesiphoros

Epistle: Ephesians 2:14-22

St. Nectarios the Wonderworker

Gospel: Luke 8:41-56

of Aegina

Liturgical Color: Gold Thursday November 26

Thanksgiving Day in in the United States of America.

Saturday November 28

First Day of the Nativity Fast

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Sunday November 29

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 25 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 8

Apostle Matthew the Evangelist

Epistle: Ephesians 4:1-6 Gospel: Luke 10:25-37 Liturgical Color: Purple

Nativity Fast through January 6, 2021

Wednesday December 2 Venerable Alexis Kabaluk of Chust is commemorated on this day.

Friday December 4

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Entrance of the Mother of God

Epistle: Hebrews 9:1-7

in the Temple

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28 Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday December 6

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 26 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 1

St. Gregory,

Epistle: Ephesians 5:9-19

Bishop of Agrigentum

Gospel: Luke 12:16-21 Liturgical Color: Purple

Sunday December 13

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 27 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 2

Holy Apostle Andrew

Epistle: Ephesians 6:10-17 Gospel: Luke 13:10-17 Liturgical Color: Purple

Saturday December 19

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker,

Epistle: Hebrews 13:17-21

Archbishop of Myra in Lycia

Gospel: Luke 6:17-23 Liturgical Color: Gold

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2020-2021 Julian (Old) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Sunday December 20

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 28 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 3

St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan

Epistle: Colossians 1:12-18 Gospel: Luke 17:12-19

Nativity Fast through January 6, 2021

Liturgical Color: Purple

Sunday December 27

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of the Holy Forefathers

Resurrection Tone 4

Martyr Thyrsus

Epistle: Colossians 3:4-11 Gospel: Luke 14:16-24 Liturgical Color: Purple

Sunday January 3, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday Before the Nativity

Resurrection Tone 5

Virgin-martyr Juliana

Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40 Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25 Liturgical Color: Purple

Wednesday January 6, 2021

Royal Hours

Eve of the Nativity

Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Strict Fast

Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-12 Gospel: Luke 2:1-20 Liturgical Color: Gold

Great Compline of the Nativity Liturgical Color: Gold 38

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Thursday January 7, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Nativity of our Lord

Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 Liturgical Color: Gold

Friday January 8, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Mother of God

Epistle: Hebrews 2:11-18 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23

Fast-Free Week through January 17

Liturgical Color: Gold Saturday January 9, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Proto-martyr Stephen

Apostolic Reading: Acts 6:8—7:5, 47-60 Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42 Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday January 10, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday After the Nativity

Resurrection Tone 6

20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia

Epistle: Galatians 1:11-19 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23 Liturgical Color: Gold

Monday January 11

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Holy Innocents

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:15-21 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23 Liturgical Color: Gold Wednesday January 13, 2021

St. Dositej (Vasic) the Confessor, Bishop in Carpatho-Rus, and Metropolitan of Zagreb is commemorated on this day.

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Sunday December Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom 2020 20 Ecclesiastical Calendar

Fast-Free Week through January 4

Sunday 28 After Pentecost Tone 3 According to the RevisedResurrection Julian Calendar the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese St.of Ambrose, bishop of Milan Epistle: Colossians 1:12-18 Sunday and Holy DayGospel: Observances Luke 17:12-19 Wednesday January 1

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Circumcision of our Lord

Epistle: Colossians 2:8-12 (Circumcision)

St. Basil the Great

Epistle: Hebrews 7:26—8:2 (Basil) Gospel: Luke 2:20-21, 40-52 (Circumcision) Gospel: Luke 6:17-23 (Basil) Liturgical Color: Gold

Friday January 3

Royal Hours of Theophany

Sunday January 5

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday Before Theophany

Resurrection Tone 4

Eve of Theophany

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Strict Fast

Gospel: Luke 2:1-18

Liturgical Color: Gold Monday January 6

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Theophany of our Lord

Epistle: Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7

Great Sanctification of Water

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 Liturgical Color: Gold

Tuesday January 7

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Holy Prophet

Apostolic Reading: Acts 19:1-8

Forerunner of Christ,

Gospel: John 1:29-34

and Baptist John

Liturgical Color: Gold

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Sunday January 12

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday After Theophany

Resurrection Tone 5

Martyr Tatiana of Rome

Epistle: Ephesians 4:7-13 Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17 Liturgical Color: Gold Monday January 13

St. Dositej the Confessor, Bishop in Carpatho-Rus, and Metropolitan of Zagreb is commemorated on this day.

Sunday January 19

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 31 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 6

Venerable Macarios of Egypt

Epistle: Colossians 3:12-16

Gospel: Luke 18:18-27 Liturgical Color: Gold Sunday January 26

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 32 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 7

Venerable Xenophon

Epistle: 1 Timothy 1:15-17

and his companions

Gospel: Luke 18:35-43 Liturgical Color: Gold Tuesday January 28

St. Ephraim of Novy Torzok, brother of St. Moses the Carpathian is commemorated on this day.

Thursday January 30

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Three Holy

Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16

Hierarchs: Basil the Great,

Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19

Gregory the Theologian,

Liturgical Color: Gold

and John Chrysostom

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Sunday February 2

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Presentation of our Lord

Resurrection Tone 8

Sunday of Zacchaeus

Epistle: 1 Timothy 4:9-16 (Zacchaeus)

Blessing of Candles

Epistle: Hebrews 7:7-17 (Presentation) Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus)

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 (Presentation)

Fast-Free Week

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday February 9

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of the Publican

Resurrection Tone 1

and Pharisee

Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:10-15

Leave-taking of the Presentation

Gospel: Luke 18:10-14

Martyr Nicephoros of Antioch

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday February 16

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Resurrection Tone 2

Martyrs Pamphilios and

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

his companions

Gospel: Luke 15:11-32 Liturgical Color: Gold Monday February 17

Repose of Metropolitan Orestes P. Chonnock in 1977.

Saturday February 22

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

1st Soul Saturday

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 10:23-29

Finding of the Relics of the

Gospel: Luke 21:8-9, 25-27, 33-36

Martyrs at the Eugenius Gate

Liturgical Color: Gold

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Sunday February 23

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of Last Judgment

Resurrection Tone 3

Hiero-martyr Polycarp

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:8—9:2

of Smyrna

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Meat-Fare Sunday

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday March 1

Morning: Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of Forgiveness

Resurrection Tone 4

Nun-martyr Eudoxia

Epistle: Romans 13:11—14:4

Cheese-Fare Sunday

Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21 Liturgical Color: Gold

Evening: Forgiveness Vespers Liturgical Color: Gold (Change to Purple) Monday March 2

Lenten Fast through April 18

First Day of the Great Fast Monday March 2

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 1)

Clean Monday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Tuesday March 3

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 2)

Clean Tuesday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Wednesday March 4

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 3)

Clean Wednesday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Thursday March 5

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (Part 4) Liturgical Color: Purple

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Pre-Sanctified Liturgy of St. Gregory the Great

Friday March 6

Liturgical Color: Purple Saturday March 7

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Commemoration of the

Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-12

Miracle of St. Theodore Tyro

Gospel: Mark 2:23—3:5

Lenten Fast through April 18

Liturgical Color: Purple Sunday March 8

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

1st Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 5

Sunday of Orthodoxy

Epistle: Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40, 12:1-2

St. Theophylact of Nicomedia

Gospel: John 1:43-51

Procession of Icons

Liturgical Color: Gold

Triumph of Orthodoxy Vespers Liturgical Color: Gold Friday March 13

Repose of Metropolitan Nicholas Smisko in 2011.

Saturday March 14

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

2nd Soul Saturday

Epistle: Hebrews 3:12-16

Venerable Benedict of Nursia

Gospel: Mark 1:35-44 Liturgical Color: Purple

Sunday March 15

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

2rd Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 6

St. Gregory Palamas

Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-14, 2:1-3

Martyr Agapius and

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

his Companions

Liturgical Color: Purple

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Saturday March 21

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

3rd Soul Saturday

Epistle: Hebrews 10:32-38

St. James the Confessor

Gospel: Mark 2:14-17

of Catania

Liturgical Color: Purple

Sunday March 22

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

3rd Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 7

Veneration of Holy Cross

Epistle: Hebrews 4:14—5:6

Hiero-martyr Basil of Ancyra

Gospel: Mark 8:34—9:1

Lenten Fast through April 18

Liturgical Color: Red or Burgundy

Wednesday March 25

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Annunciation of the

Epistle: Hebrews 2:11-18

Mother of God

Luke 1:24-38 Liturgical Color: Blue

Saturday March 28

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

4th Soul Saturday

Epistle: Hebrews 6:9-12

Venerable Hilarion the New

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

and his Companions

Liturgical Color: Purple

Sunday March 29

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

4th Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 8

St. John Climacus

Epistle: Hebrews 6:13-20

Hiero-martyr Mark of

Gospel: Mark 9:17-31

Arethusa and his Companions

Liturgical Color: Purple

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Thursday April 2

Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete

Saturday April 4

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Saturday of the Akathist Hymn

Epistle: Hebrews 9:1-7 Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

Lenten Fast through April 18

Liturgical Color: Gold Sunday April 5

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

5th Sunday of the Great Fast

Resurrection Tone 1

St. Mary of Egypt

Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14

Martyrs Agathopodes,

Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

Theodulus and Companions

Liturgical Color: Purple

Saturday April 11

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Lazarus Saturday

Epistle: Hebrews 12:28—13:8 Gospel: John 11:1-45 Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday April 12

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Palm Sunday

Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9

Triumphal Entrance of our

Gospel: John 12:1-18

Lord into Jerusalem

Liturgical Color: Gold

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Monday April 13

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Great and Holy Monday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Tuesday April 14

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Great and Holy Tuesday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Wednesday April 15

Morning: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Great and Holy Wednesday

Evening: Mystery of Holy Unction

Holy (Passion) Week through April 18

Liturgical Color: Purple Thursday April 16

Morning: Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Great and Holy Thursday

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 Gospel: Matthew 26:1-27, 27:1-3; John 13:3-17; Luke 22:43-44 Evening: Matins of Great and Holy Friday Liturgical Color: Purple

Friday April 17

Morning: Royal Hours

Great and Holy Friday

Liturgical Color: Purple

Strict Fast

Evening: Great Vespers of Holy Friday Liturgical Color: Black

Saturday April 18

Morning: Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Great and Holy Saturday

Liturgical Color: Black (Change to White)

Strict Fast

Epistle: Romans 6:3-11 Gospel: Matthew 28:1-20 Evening: Resurrection Matins Liturgical Color: White

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Sunday April 19

Morning: Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Great and Holy Pascha:

Apostolic Reading: Acts 1:1-8

The Glorious Resurrection

Gospel: John 1:1-17

of our Lord and Savior

Liturgical Color: White

Blessing of Paschal Foods

Evening: Paschal Vespers

Gospel: John 20:19-25

Fast-Free Week through April 25

Liturgical Color: White Monday April 20

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Bright Monday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 1:12-17, 21-26 Gospel: John 1:18-28

Liturgical Color: White

Processional Gospels: Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10

Tuesday April 21

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Bright Tuesday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 2:14-21 Gospel: Luke 24:12-35 Liturgical Color: White

Thursday April 23

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Bright Thursday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 12:1-11

Holy Great-martyr,

Gospel: John 15:17—16:2

Wonderworker, and

Liturgical Color: White

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Friday April 24

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Bright Friday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 3:1-8

St. Joseph Stojka the

Gospel: John 2:12-22

Confessor of Maramaros

Liturgical Color: White

Sunday April 26

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

2nd Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 1

Sunday of St. Thomas

Apostolic Reading: Acts 5:12-20

Hiero-martyr Basil

Gospel: John 20:19-31

of Amasea

Liturgical Color: White

Sunday May 3

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

3rd Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 2

Sunday of the

Apostolic Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Myrrh-Bearing Women

Gospel: Mark 15:42-47, 16:1-8

Martyrs Timothy and Maura

Liturgical Color: White

Venerable Theodosius of

the Kiev Caves Thursday May 7

St. Alexis Toth, Priest of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is commemorated on this day.

Sunday May 10

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

4th Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 3

Sunday of the Paralytic

Apostolic Reading: Acts 9:32-42

Apostle Simon the Zealot

Gospel: John 5:1-15 Liturgical Color: White

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Monday May 11

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Saints Cyril and Methodios,

Epistle: Hebrews 7:26—8:2

Equal-to-the-Apostles and

Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19

Teachers of the Slavs

Liturgical Color: White

Wednesday May 13

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Mid-Pentecost

Apostolic Reading: Acts 14:6-18 Gospel: John 7:14-30 Liturgical Color: White

Sunday May 17

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

5th Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 4

Sunday of the

Apostolic Reading: Acts 11:19-30

Samaritan Woman

Gospel: John 4:5-42

Apostle Andronicus

Liturgical Color: White

of the Seventy

Sunday May 24

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

6th Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 5

Sunday of the

Apostolic Reading: Acts 16:16-34

Man Born Blind

Gospel: John 9:1-38

St. Symeon the Stylite of

Liturgical Color: White

the Wonderful Mountain Thursday May 28

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Ascension of our Lord

Apostolic Reading: Acts 1:1-12 Gospel: Luke 24:36-53 Liturgical Color: White

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Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

7th Sunday of Pascha:

Resurrection Tone 6

Sunday of the Fathers of the

Apostolic Reading: Acts 20:16-18, 28-36

1st Ecumenical Council

Gospel: John 17:1-13

Apostle Hermes of the Seventy

Liturgical Color: White

Saturday June 6

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

5th Soul Saturday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 28:1-31

Venerable Bessarion

Gospel: John 21:15-25

the Wonderworker

Liturgical Color: White

Sunday June 7

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Pentecost– Trinity Sunday

Apostolic Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Descent of the Holy Spirit

Gospel: John 7:37-52, 8:12

Kneeling Prayers of Pentecost

Liturgical Color: Green

Monday June 8

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Pentecost Monday:

Epistle: Ephesians 5:9-19

Day of the Holy Spirit

Gospel: Matthew 18:10-20

Fast-Free Week through June 14

Sunday May 31

Liturgical Color: Green

Processional Gospels: Matthew 12:30-37; Mark 13:9-13; Luke 11:9-13; John 16:2-13 2020

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Sunday June 14

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 1 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 8

Sunday of All Saints

Epistle: Hebrews 11:33—12:2

Prophet Elisha

Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30 Liturgical Color: Green Monday June 15

Apostles Fast through June 28

First Day of the Apostles Fast Sunday June 21

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 2 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 1

Synaxis of the Saints

Epistle: Romans 2:10-16

of Carpatho-Rus

Gospel: Matthew 4:18-23

Martyr Julian of Tarsus

Liturgical Color: Green

Wednesday June 24

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Nativity of the Holy Prophet

Epistle: Romans 13:11—14:4

Forerunner of Christ,

Gospel: Luke 1:1-25, 57-69, 76, 80

and Baptist John

Liturgical Color: Green

Sunday June 28

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 3 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 2

Translation of the Relics of

Epistle: Romans 5:1-10

Saints Cyrus and John

Gospel: Matthew 6:22-33 Liturgical Color: Green

Monday June 29

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Holy Prime Apostles

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:21—12:9

Peter and Paul

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19 Liturgical Color: Green

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Tuesday June 30

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Holy

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16

Twelve Apostles

Gospel: Mark 3:13-19 Liturgical Color: Green

Sunday July 5

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 4 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 3

Venerable Athanasius

Epistle: Romans 6:18-23

of Mount Athos

Gospel: Matthew 8:5-13 Liturgical Color: Green

Sunday July 12

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 5 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 4

Martyrs Proclus and Hilary

Epistle: Romans 10:1-10 Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34 Liturgical Color: Green

Sunday July 19

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 6 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 5

Sunday of the Fathers of the

Epistle: Romans 12:6-14 (Sunday)

First Six Ecumenical Councils

Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16 (Fathers)

Venerable Macrina, the

Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8 (Sunday)

sister of St. Basil the Great

Gospel: John 17:1-13 (Fathers) Liturgical Color: Green

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Monday July 20

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Holy and Glorious Prophet

Epistle: James 5:10-20

Elijah the Tishbite

Gospel: Luke 4:22-30 Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday July 26

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 7 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 6

Venerable Moses the Carpathian

Epistle: Romans 15:1-7 (Sunday)

of the Kiev Caves

Gospel: Matthew 9:27-35 (Sunday) Liturgical Color: Gold Tuesday July 28

Venerable Job of Mala Ugol’ka is commemorated on this day.

Dormition Fast through August 14

Saturday August 1 First Day of the Dormition Fast Sunday August 2

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 8 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 7

Translation of the Relics of

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (Sunday)

the First-martyr Stephen

Gospel: Matthew 14:14-22 (Sunday) Liturgical Color: Blue

Thursday August 6

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Transfiguration of our Lord

Epistle: 2 Peter 1:10-19

Blessing of Grapes and Fruits

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 Liturgical Color: White

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Dormition Fast

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Sunday August 9

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 9 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 8

Holy Apostle Matthias

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17 Gospel: Matthew 14:22-34 Liturgical Color: Gold

Saturday August 15

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Dormition of the

Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11

Mother of God

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

Blessing of Flowers and Herbs

Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday August 16

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 10 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 1

Translation of the Icon

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16

of our Lord

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-23

“Not Made with Hands�

Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday August 23

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 11 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 2

Leave-taking of Dormition

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:2-12

Martyr Lupus

Gospel: Matthew 18:23-35 Liturgical Color: Blue

Saturday August 29

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Beheading of the Holy Prophet

Apostolic Reading: Acts 13:25-32

Forerunner of Christ,

Gospel: Mark 6:14-30

and Baptist John

Liturgical Color: Red or Burgundy

Strict Fast 2020

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Sunday August 30

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 12 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 3

Saints Alexander, John,

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

and Paul, the Patriarchs

Gospel: Matthew 19:16-26

of Constantinople

Liturgical Color: Blue

Tuesday September 1

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

The Indiction:

Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Ecclesiastical New Year

Gospel: Luke 44:16-22

Symeon the Stylite, the Elder

Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday September 6

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 13 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 4

Miracle of the Archangel

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 16:13-24

Michael at Colossae

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42

St. Maxim Sandovic,

Liturgical Color: Gold

Hiero-martyr of Gorlice Tuesday September 8

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Nativity of the Mother of God

Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11 Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28 Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday September 13

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 14 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 5

Sunday Before Cross Elevation

Epistle: Galatians 6:11-18 (Cross)

Commemoration of the Founding

Gospel: John 3:13-17 (Cross)

of the Church of the Resurrection

Liturgical Color: Gold

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Monday September 14

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Elevation of the Precious and

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Life-giving Cross of our Lord

Gospel: John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30-35

Strict Fast

Liturgical Color: Red or Burgundy

Sunday September 20

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 15 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 6

Sunday After Cross Elevation

Epistle: Galatians 2:16-20 (Cross)

Great-martyr Eustathius and

Gospel: Mark 8:34—9:1 (Cross)

his Companions

Liturgical Color: Red or Burgundy

Sunday September 27

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 16 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 7

Martyr Callistratus and

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

his Companions

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30 Liturgical Color: Gold Wednesday September 30

Repose of Bishop R. Martin in 1984.

Thursday October 1

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Protection of the

Epistle: Hebrews 9:1-7

Mother of God

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

St. Romanos the Melodist

Liturgical Color: Blue

Sunday October 4

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 17 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 8

Hiero-martyr Hierotheus

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:16—7:1

of Athens

Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28 Liturgical Color: Red

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Sunday October 11

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 18 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 1

Sunday of the Fathers of the

Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16

Seventh Ecumenical Council

Gospel: John 17:1-13

Apostle Phillip of the Seventy

Liturgical Color: Gold

Monday October 12

Thanksgiving Day in Canada.

Sunday October 18

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 19 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 2

Apostle Luke the Evangelist

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:31—12:9 Gospel: Luke 6:31-36

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday October 25

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 20 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 3

Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius

Epistle: Galatians 1:11-19 Gospel: Luke 7:11-16 Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday November 1

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 21 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 4

Saints Cosmas and Damian

Epistle: Galatians 2:16-20 Gospel: Luke 8:5-15 Liturgical Color: Gold

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Sunday November 8

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 22 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 5

Synaxis of the Holy Archangel

Epistle: Galatians 6:11-18 (Sunday)

Michael and all the Honorable

Epistle: Hebrews 2:2-10 (Angels)

Bodiless Powers of Heaven

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31 (Sunday)

Gospel: Luke 10:16-21 (Angels) Liturgical Color: Gold

Monday November 9

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

St. Nectarios the Wonderworker

Epistle: Ephesians 5:9-19

of Aegina

Gospel: Matthew 4:25—5:12 Liturgical Color: Gold

Nativity Fast through December 24

Sunday November 15

First Day of Nativity Fast

Sunday November 15

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 23 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 6

St. Gregory Palamas

Epistle: Ephesians 2:4-10 Gospel: Luke 8:26-39 Liturgical Color: Purple

Saturday November 21

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Entrance of the Mother of God

Epistle: Hebrews 9:1-7

in the Temple

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28 Liturgical Color: Blue

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Sunday November 22

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 24 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 7

Apostles Philemon and

Epistle: Ephesians 2:14-22

Archippus of the Seventy

Gospel: Luke 8:41-56 Liturgical Color: Purple

Nativity Fast through December 24

Thursday November 26 Thanksgiving Day in in the United States of America.

Sunday November 29

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 25 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 8

Martyrs Paramon and

Epistle: Ephesians 4:1-6

Philumenus

Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

Liturgical Color: Purple Wednesday December 2

Venerable Alexis Kabaluk of Chust is commemorated on this day.

Sunday December 6

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday 26 After Pentecost

Resurrection Tone 1

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker,

Epistle: Ephesians 5:9-19 (Sunday)

Archbishop of Myra in Lycia

Epistle: Hebrews 13:17-21 (Nicholas) Gospel: Luke 12:16-21 (Sunday) Gospel: Luke 6:17-23 (Nicholas) Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday December 13

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday of the Holy Forefathers

Resurrection Tone 2

Venerable Herman of Alaska

Epistle: Colossians 3:4-11 Gospel: Luke 14:16-24 Liturgical Color: Purple

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Sunday December 20

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday Before the Nativity

Resurrection Tone 3

St. Ignatius of Antioch

Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10, 17-23, 32-40

St. John of Kronstadt

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25

Fast-Free Week through January 4

Nativity Fast through December 24

Liturgical Color: Purple Thursday December 24

Royal Hours

Eve of the Nativity

Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Strict Fast

Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-12 Gospel: Luke 2:1-20 Liturgical Color: Gold

Great Compline of the Nativity Liturgical Color: Gold

Friday December 25

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Nativity of our Lord

Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7 Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 Liturgical Color: Gold

Saturday December 26

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Mother of God

Epistle: Hebrews 2:11-18 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23 Liturgical Color: Gold

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2020-2021 Revised Julian (New) Ecclesiastical Calendar

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday After the Nativity

Resurrection Tone 4

Commemoration of the Holy

Epistle: Galatians 1:11-19

Righteous Ones: Joseph the

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23

Bethrothed, David the King,

Liturgical Color: Gold

and James the Just

Note: the Hymns for St. Stephen

St. Stephen the Proto-martyr

are NOT chanted.

Tuesday December 29

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Holy Innocents

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:15-21

Fast-Free Week through January 4, 2021

Sunday December 27

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23

Liturgical Color: Gold Friday January 1, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Circumcision of our Lord

Epistle: Colossians 2:8-12 (Circumcision)

St. Basil the Great

Epistle: Hebrews 7:26—8:2 (Basil) Gospel: Luke 2:20-21, 40-52 (Circumcision)

Gospel: Luke 6:17-23 (Basil) Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday January 3, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday Before Theophany

Resurrection Tone 5

Prophet Malachi

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Gospel: Luke 2:1-18 Liturgical Color: Gold

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Tuesday January 5, 2021

Royal Hours

Eve of Theophany

Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Strict Fast

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Gospel: Luke 2:1-18 Liturgical Color: Gold

Wednesday January 6, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Theophany of our Lord

Epistle: Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7

Great Sanctification of Water

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 Liturgical Color: Gold

Tuesday January 7, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Synaxis of the Holy Prophet

Apostolic Reading: Acts 19:1-8

Forerunner of Christ,

Gospel: John 1:29-34

and Baptist John

Liturgical Color: Gold

Sunday January 10, 2021

Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday After Theophany

Resurrection Tone 6

St. Gregory of Nyssa

Epistle: Ephesians 4:7-13

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17 Liturgical Color: Gold Wednesday January 13, 2021

St. Dositej the Confessor, Bishop in Carpatho-Rus, and Metropolitan of Zagreb is commemorated on this day.

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Moral and Sacramental Guidelines Practical Instruction Marriages For the Sacramental union of a man and a woman to be proper in the eyes of the Church the marriage must be performed in the Orthodox Church. For such a marriage to be sacramentally valid, the following must be adhered to: 1. No impediment of the marriage may exist, or the necessary dispensations must be obtained before hand from the Hierarch of the Diocese.

2. A civil marriage license must be obtained from the appropriate civil authorities.

3. The Sacrament of Marriage must be celebrated by an Orthodox Priest in the Church of the bride in accordance with the liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church.

4. The Priest must belong to our Diocese. A marriage performed by another Priest in communion with the Ecumenical Throne is recognized as valid by the entire Orthodox Church.

5. The Pastor must receive necessary dispensations if they are required for the marriage from his Diocesan Hierarch.

6. Before proceeding with arrangements for a marriage the Pastor must verify: a. That parties in question are not already married either in this country or elsewhere. If one of the parties is not personally

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known to the Pastor, a freedom to marry form must be executed by their legal Pastor. b. Those desiring marriage must be members in good standing both from a spiritual and temporal perspective in the parish for at least one year prior to the marriage date. c. If either or both parties are widowed, they must present the death certificate of the deceased spouse. d. If either or both parties have been civilly divorced and have civilly remarried, determination must be made by the Diocesan Tribunal regarding the former marriages and their validity. In such a case no marriage date can be set until a decree is obtained from the Diocesan Tribunal.

7. No more than a total of three valid marriages are permitted by the Church.

8. When one or both parties is divorced, they must obtain a decree of annulment or of spiritual death of former marriage from the Diocesan Tribunal.

9. In the case of mixed marriage, the non-Orthodox party must be a Christian who is baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity. A marriage cannot be solemnized between an Orthodox Christian and a non-baptized person.

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10. In the case of a mixed marriage cannot compose their own marriage between an Orthodox Christian and a ceremony. The Diocesan publication non-Orthodox Christian, the marriage of the Service of Holy Matrimony is must be celebrated by an Orthodox the only service book to be used. No Priest in the Orthodox Church ac- music, other than that which is part of cording to Orthodox Liturgical Tradi- our sacred musical tradition, is pertion. The parties must promise sol- mitted to be sung. emnly and in writing that any children 14. If the couple requests the special born of the marriage will be reared presence of a Priest of another canonand raised exclusively in the Orthoical Orthodox diocese, the invitation dox Church. must be extended to him through the 11. Mixed marriages can be celebrated officiating Priest. If the couple reonly in the Orthodox Church. Dou- quests the special presence of a Priest ble ceremonies are not permitted to of the Roman Catholic Church, the believers as the Orthodox ceremony invitation must be extended to him is alone sufficient for sacramental through the officiating Priest, after the grace. In those cases where dual cere- proper dispensation has been granted monies are planned, the marriage by the Diocesan Hierarch. Since no cannot take place in the Orthodox priesthood exists in the Protestant tradition, and no sacrament is Church. acknowledged in contracting the mar12. Since two witnesses are required riage, participation by a Protestant civilly, ideally, they should both be minister is not permitted.

Orthodox. However, for the validity of the Sacrament, only one is neces- Days When Marriage is Not Permitted sary. This witness must be a practicing Nativity Fast (Advent) Orthodox Christian and must have a Sponsor certificate from his Pastor Great Lent and Holy Week attesting to same. A person who does Feast of the Beheading of St. John not belong to an Orthodox parish, does not receive the Sacrament reguFeast of the Elevation of the Cross larly, or who belongs to a parish not Dormition Fast in communion with the Ecumenical Throne, or who, if married, is not Wednesdays and Fridays married in an Orthodox Church, canMarriages may be performed on these not enjoy the awesome dignity of a days if absolutely necessary and for reamarriage witness. Non-Orthodox sons of urgent import only with special members may comprise the remaindispensation from the Diocesan Hierder of the wedding party since they arch. serve no spiritual or religious purpose.

Mixed Marriages 13. The couple contemplating marriage It is a fact that the more things which the 2020

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proposed couple have in common, particularly their common faith and spiritual life, the more likely it will be that they live their married life in sacramental grace, peace and harmony. Shared faith and traditions spare newlyweds and their children many serious problems and strengthen the bond between them.

However, Orthodoxy does solemnize mixed marriages under the following conditions:

are also excluded from Christian burial unless they repent and return to the unity of the Church. An Orthodox Christian who has attempted marriage outside of Orthodoxy and wishes to be reconciled with the Church is encouraged to request such from the local Orthodox Priest so that the necessary remedies might be applied and integration into the salutary life of the Church take place.

1. Necessary dispensations must be secured by the Pastor regarding permission for an Orthodox Christian to marry a non-Orthodox Christian.

A non-Orthodox Christian who marries an Orthodox Christian does not automatically become a member of the Church and it is therefore not permitted for the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, to be distributed to such souls.

2. The non-Orthodox party must be These are privileges only of baptized, baptized in the name of the Holy chrismated and committed members of Trinity. the Household of Christ.

3. The couple must be willing and Prohibited Marriages Among Believers able to baptize their children in the Orthodox Church and nurture First Group: Parents with their own chilthem in accordance with the Or- d r e n , g r a n d p a r e n t s o r g r e a tthodox faith. grandchildren.

If these conditions are not met, then the pastor is not free to solemnize the marriage. If the Orthodox party enters an attempted marriage in a non-Orthodox setting or in a church not in communion with the Ecumenical Throne, the marriage is not valid in the eyes of the Church. The Orthodox party must then bear in serious mind that a married Orthodox Christian whose marriage has not been solemnized in the Orthodox Church is no longer in good standing with the Church and consequently does not have the right to receive the Sacraments of the Church or to be eligible to become a witness or sponsor at a Marriage, Baptism, or Chrismation. They 66

Second Group: Brothers-in-law with sisters-in-law.

Third Group: Uncles and aunts with nieces and nephews.

Fourth Group: First cousins with each other and second cousins with each other.

Fifth Group: Foster parents with foster children or foster children with other children of common foster parents.

Sixth Group: Godparents with godchildren or godparents with the parents of godchildren.

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Locations of the Celebration of Marriage Outside the Parish Church The Camp Nazareth Chapel, Seminary Chapel, college chapels -- all need the express approval of the Diocesan Hierarch to be used as a location for the marriage celebration. Circumstances will be taken into consideration before a blessing is bestowed. It should also be remembered that the Church is the normal location for the wedding. The Sacrament of Marriage cannot be celebrated in a garden, poolside, in vehicles of public transportation, etc.

Divorces, Annulments, and Decrees of Spiritual Death in Marriage An ecclesiastical annulment or decree of Spiritual Death may be granted only after a civil decree has been obtained.

However, the spiritual father or parish Pastor must exert every effort to reconcile the couple and avert a divorce if this is spiritually and humanly possible.

Should the Pastor fail to effect a reconciliation, he will undergo the necessary direction of the Diocesan Tribunal and assist the party or parties in seeking an ecclesiastical annulment or decree of spiritual death of the marriage. Full particulars may be obtained by writing to the Diocesan Tribunal at the Chancery Office. No Priest is free to solemnize a marriage even if a need is apparent before the decrees are issued by the Diocesan Tribunal. No date of a proposed marriage may be set until the decree is obtained.

thodox and it is difficult to imagine why faithful committed Orthodox parents would think of asking a non- Orthodox party to sponsor their child for this Sacrament, our pluralistic society makes many demands upon us. However, one of the sponsors at Baptism and Chrismation must be Orthodox who has produced a statement from his legal Pastor attesting to their practice of the Orthodox faith by regular attendance at the Divine Liturgy, in daily life and sacramentally. A person who has been excommunicated or anathematized by the Church, or who, if married, has married outside the Orthodox Church, may not become a godparent. People living together in a common law relationship may not serve as godparents as well as those in cohabitation situations.

Sponsors in Non - Orthodox Churches

Roman Catholic and Byzantine Catholic Churches require but one sponsor at Baptism who is of their faith. Many times our faithful are asked to sponsor a child in this sacrament in their church.

Our Pastors will issue a sponsor certificate to our faithful in these cases where the Orthodox believer is a practicing member of the Church which means attendance at the Divine Liturgy, regular sacramental life along with a serious attempt made at living the commandments of Christ. We cannot encourage our faithful being sponsors for any other communions because of the theological variance which exists between our Churches. Orthodox believers should simply respond when called upon by Baptisms various sectarians to act in this capacity Although ideally, both sponsors for a that our Orthodox Church does not baptized Orthodox child should be Orpermit our participation in the faith 2020

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practices of Protestant Churches.

Funerals

through the Sunday of St. Thomas.

2. Christmas and the Feast of the Requiem and funeral services are perResurrection. mitted any day of the year except on Sundays unless it is most urgent and 3. Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. absolutely necessary and specific permission is secured from the Hierarch of It is highly recommended that Orthothe Diocese. dox Christians offer and request memorials and Liturgies for the repose of the Memorials souls of their beloved departed and parRequiem services may not be held on ticipate in the universal remembrance of the following days: departed souls on the five All Souls Sat1. From the Saturday of Lazarus urdays.

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Insights into Contemporary Moral Problems Circumcision It is known that Jews and Moslems practice circumcision for religious reasons.

Some physicians deem circumcision necessary for reasons of health and cleanliness. The Orthodox Church does not prohibit circumcision so long as it is not practiced for spiritual or religious reasons. Orthodox believers are not bound by the lapsed Law of Moses.

Suicide No believer is permitted to take the life of another and likewise cannot take his own life. Suicide is murder, self-inflicted and therefore a grave sin. Committing suicide signifies a loss in the perception of the goodness of our heavenly Father and shows that patience, hope and faith in God has been lost. A person of faith, regardless how great the difficulties he or she faces, must never resort to suicide as a so-called solution to problems in life. Orthodoxy denies Christian burial of one who knowingly commits suicide. Only when a physician certifies that such a sad victim of circumstances has indeed lost sanity entirely does the Church permit the final obsequities be celebrated with recourse to the Diocesan Hierarch, mandatory in such cases.

Euthanasia – Mercy Killing The Orthodox Church has since time immemorial honored life and exalted the faithful believer as a child of God. Those who themselves plan and others who participate with them in the destruction of life place themselves outside the salutary grace of Christ and His 2020

Church. If the victim has given advance consent to such a heinous practice, Christian burial is excluded and no memorials or Divine Liturgies may be celebrated for the repose of such a soul unless it may be medically proved the individual in question was totally depraved and psychologically and spiritually bereft of normal good reason. Anyone who participates in assisting such a person is placing himself beyond the ability of the Church to redeem him and is guilty of actual murder. The ordinary canonical and scriptural penalties are to be invoked in such cases which provide for a denial of Christian burial, sacramental participation unless and until remorse and repentance are evidenced in the sacrament of Reconciliation in which absolution can only be granted with the express consent of the Diocesan Hierarch. The Church accompanies its faithful from even before birth, through all the steps of life to death and beyond, with its prayers, rites, sacraments, preaching, teaching, and its love, faith and hope. All of life, and even death itself, are drawn into the realm of the life of the Church. Death is seen as evil in itself, and symbolic of all those forces which oppose God-given life and its fulfillment, salvation and redemption are normally understood in eastern Christianity in terms of sharing in Jesus Christ’s victory over death, sin and evil through His Crucifixion and His Resurrection. The Orthodox Church has a very strong pro-life stand which in part expresses itself in opposition to doctrinaire advocacy of euthanasia.

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Euthanasia is understood to be the view or practice which holds that a person has the right, and even the moral obligation, to end his or her life when it is considered to be - for whatever subjectively accepted reason - “not worth living.” Euthanasia advocates nearly always include in this assertion the right and duty of others, including medical personnel, to assist the person in fulfilling this purpose. Needless to say, the Orthodox Church rejects such a view, seeing such behavior as a form of suicide on the part of the individual, and a form of murder on a part of others who assist in this practice, both of which are seen as sins.

Thus the Orthodox Church, in the words of 1976 Christmas encyclical of former Archbishop Iakovos, considers “euthanasia and abortion, along with homosexuality ... a ... moral alienation.”

Modern medical practice, however, has affected another part of the Church’s perspective. The Church does not expect that excessive and heroic means must be used at all costs to prolong dying, as has now become possible through technical medical advances. As current Orthodox theology expresses it:

unnecessary and extraordinary medical efforts. At the same time, the Church rejects as morally wrong any willed action on the part of an individual to cause his or her own death or the death of another, when it otherwise would not occur.

Organ Donations Orthodoxy praises the deep and profound love its communicants express in offering parts of themselves beyond death as a contribution to the life sustaining forces of another person. As long as those donors and physicians exert every effort to show reverence for the remains of the donor and the donor is clear in his intentions that life be improved and bettered for the recipient, Orthodoxy praises such caring individuals. In advance of such an occasion and opportunity, the donor is encouraged to unite himself in prayer that his offering be worthily accepted before the Throne of the eternal Father and in the life and being of the recipient. The body and organs of a donor should not be offered for experimentation but solely for the life and good health of a fellow human being.

“The Church distinguishes between euthanasia and the withholding of extraordinary means to prolong life. It affirms the sanctity of human life and man’s God-given responsibility to preserve life. But it rejects an attitude which disregards the inevitability of physical death.”

Autopsy

When the cause of illness has not been diagnosed, physicians with the permission of the nearest responsible relative, generally conduct an autopsy which is also required in some cases by civil law.

Often an autopsy leads to enlightenment for the physicians in treating future similar cases. Because of this, Orthodoxy This means that the Church may even does not oppose the autopsy of its depray that terminally ill persons die, withceased members. Because the human out insisting that they be subjected to body of a believer is the temple of the

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Holy Spirit, we must insist that those who perform such medical procedures accord the utmost respect to the earthly remains.

Cremation of the Dead Various groups, instead of burial, prefer the cremation of the dead, which was customary among many ancient people.

The Orthodox Church, mindful of the fact that the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, imitates the practice of the Lord in His earthly burial for the disposition of the bodies of its faithful believers. Believers do not deliberately destroy the body in life or in death.

We imitate the practice of the martyrs, the saints and the Old Covenant Church. Consequently, cremation is contrary to the faith and tradition of our Church and is expressly forbidden to Orthodox believers. A church funeral is denied a person who has been or will be cremated. Requiem services afterwards are also forbidden because the person in question has already abandoned all hope in the Lord and prayers are therefore useless for such a soul.

Abortion Since the Supreme Court has civilly legalized abortion in this nation, some remain confused about the teaching of the Church. Orthodox tradition has opposed this immoral practice as contrary to the will of God for mankind.

Those who assist and those who participate in abortion sever themselves from the life of the Church and may not receive the sacraments until they are reconciled through penance. Absolution may not be offered by the Pastor until consultation has taken place with the 2020

Diocesan Hierarch and the necessary reintegration into the life of the Church has taken place through spiritual counseling and repentance and confession of this heinous sin.

AIDS Victims The recent spread of the AIDs virus has provoked much concern throughout the world and for Orthodox Christians, as well. The Orthodox address this question on several levels. First, the Church always looks upon those who are ill with compassion, and prays for healing. We encourage the medical profession to continue seeking for the appropriate medications to heal this disease, but at the same time, we note that the major causes for the spread of this disease are behaviors which the Church has always taught are immoral and ought not to be practiced: homosexual behavior, promiscuity, and narcotic drugs (the use of contaminated needles). Love and caring for all persons provokes the Church to re-affirm its teaching. The best prevention against the AIDs virus is virtue.

Some have raised the question of possible contamination through the Communion spoon and the possible change of the method for administering holy Communion. There have been other methods for the administration of the sacrament in the Church, in the past. In principle, therefore, the method could change again. Nevertheless, several strong reasons would argue against it.

Theologically, the Orthodox Church cannot accept that the sacrament would be a source of illness, since it teaches that it is a “medicine of immortality.�

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Further, not one single case of the transmission of any illness has been shown empirically as coming from participation in the sacrament. In addition, scientific evidence points to another reason for this as well: it appears that saliva inhibits the transmission of all kinds of microbes, including the AIDs virus (Journal of the American Dental Association, May, 1988). Should the Church change its method of administering the sacrament, it should do so for its own reasons and not those provoked by unreasonable fear.

He stated: “Home and family life is the bedrock of our Orthodox life-style. The spirit that binds us together as a people finds its deepest roots in the home where the tenderest values of human existence, love, compassion, forbearance and mutual helpfulness thrive in abundance.”

Over the centuries and throughout most cultures and civilizations the family has been proven to be the unifying unit of society. Today we find the family under attack both from within and from without. Outside forces would have us believe that the family as we have come to know and cherish it is no longer necessary. From within, the erosion of spiritual values and emphasis upon materialism has created for many families confusion and uncertainty where commitment and dedication once reigned. Marriage is holy. The home is sacred. Birth is a miracle. In these we find the very meaning of life itself.

This vast epidemic in our very midst is reason for alarm and pity for faithful believers. While Orthodoxy does condemn the activity of so many who are so afflicted, it does excite its faithful believers to pity and soulful concern for the victims. We must bear in mind that while we abhor the sin, we continue to love the sinner. In those circumstances where it is obvious, reconciliation with Christ must take place in the sacraments only when remorse and repentance are present. In such cases, Christian burial One aspect of the “commitment and dedication” of the holy state of marriage is permitted. and family is cast in terms of sexual beQuestions on Sexual Issues havior. Most moral questions relating to The teaching of the Orthodox Church sex are generally best understood in the on sexual questions is strongly deter- light of this high regard for marriage and mined by the Church’s attitude toward the family. Some of the questions on marriage and the family. A representa- sexual issues addressed by the Orthotive Orthodox statement which shows dox Church are the following: the centrality and importance of the 1) The Orthodox Church remains family in Orthodox thinking is found in faithful to the biblical and traditional an encyclical letter by former Archbishnorms regarding premarital sexual op Iakovos of the Greek Orthodox relations between men and women.

Archdiocese of North and South AmerThe only appropriate and morally ica, issued on the occasion of National fitting place for the exercise of sexual Family Week in 1972. relations, according to the teachings

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of the Church, is marriage. The moral teaching of the Church on this matter has been unchanging since its foundation. In sum, the sanctity of marriage is the cornerstone of sexual morality.

The whole range of sexual activity outside marriage - fornication, adultery and homosexuality - are thus seen as not fitting and appropriate to the Christian way of life. Like the teaching on fornication, the teachings of the Church on these and similar issues have remained constant. Expressed in scripture, the continuing Tradition of the Church, the writings of the Church Fathers, the Ecumenical Councils and the canons, these views have been restated by theologians, Hierarchs and local Orthodox churches in our own day. For example, the Decalogue prohibits adultery.

In the tradition of the Church, the second century epistle of Barnabas commands “Thou shalt not be an adulterer, nor a corrupter, nor be like to them that are such.” The fourth century Church Father St. Basil wrote against the practice (Canons 35 and 77); and the Quinisext Council (A.D. 691) repeated the same condemnation in its eighty-seventh canon. All major Orthodox jurisdictions in the United States have had occasion to repeat the condemnation of adult of adultery.

2) Generally stated, fornication, adultery, abortion, homosexuality and any form of abusive sexual behavior are considered immoral and inappropriate forms of behavior in and of themselves, and also because they attack the institution of marriage and the 2020

family. Two representative statements, one on abortion and another on homosexuality, from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America follow. They are from the Twenty-Third Clergy Laity Congress held in Philadelphia in 1976. The Orthodox Church has a definite, formal and intended attitude toward abortion. It condemns all procedures purporting to abort the embryo or fetus, whether by surgical or chemical means. The Orthodox Church brands abortion as murder; that is, as a premeditated termination of the life of a human being. The only time the Orthodox Church will reluctantly acquiesce to abortion is when the preponderance of medical opinion determines that unless the embryo or fetus is aborted, the mother will die. Decisions of the Supreme Court and state legislatures by which abortion, with or without restrictions, is allowed should be viewed by practicing Christians as an affront to their beliefs in the sanctity of life. The position of the Orthodox Church toward homosexuality has been expressed by synodicals, canons and patristic pronouncements beginning with the very first centuries of Orthodox ecclesiastical life. Thus, the Orthodox Church condemns unreservedly all expressions of personal sexual experience which prove contrary to the definite and unalterable function ascribed to sex by God’s ordinance and expressed in man’s experience as a law of nature. The Orthodox Church believes that homosexuality should be treated by religion as a sinful failure. In both cases, correction is called for. Homosexuals

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should be accorded the confidential medical and psychiatric facilities by which they can be helped to restore themselves to a self-respecting sexual identity that belongs to them by God’s ordinance. In full confidentiality the Orthodox Church cares and provides pastorally for homosexuals in the belief that no sinner who has failed himself and God should be allowed to deteriorate morally and spiritually.

Psychiatric reconciliation is bound to prove short-lived. Marriage is only conducted and recognized in the Orthodox Church as taking place between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriages are a contradiction in terms. The Orthodox Church does not allow for same-sex marriages.

of marriage. Those involved in such experiments cannot receive the sacraments of the Church as they voluntarily place themselves beyond the ability of the Church to save their souls. They who wish to enter a valid marriage must agree to separate and abstain from any sexual activity. They must immediately avail themselves of the sacrament of Reconciliation in which they express sincere remorse and repentance satisfactory to the Priest/Confessor for this public scandal in their lives. A public wedding for people who live together beforehand would appear by the Church to give tacit approval and blessing to such an unacceptable and immoral practice. In all cases of cohabitation, the marriage may be solemnized privately and prudently with only two witnesses present and after considerable care is exercised pastorally that the two individuals will in fact be faithful to Christ in the future. There must be a separation fixed by the Pastor prior to the sacramental marriage and evidence must be given they are living apart and not sexually associated. Only in cases where a child is the result of such an immoral life can an exception be made.

3) The possible exception to the above affirmation of continuity of teaching is the view of the Orthodox Church on the issue of contraception.

Because of the lack of a full understanding of the implications of the biology of reproduction, earlier writers tended to identify abortion with contraception. However, of late a new view has taken hold among Orthodox writers and thinkers on this topic, which permits the use of certain conHomosexuality traceptive practices within marriage However dismayed, the Holy Church for the purpose of spacing children, approaches this problem as one of a enhancing the expression of marital deep and profound personality and love, and protecting health. moral disorder that is based upon an erroneous perception of God’s creation.

Cohabitation She nevertheless embraces those who It is a misnomer to call these relationrecognize the sinfulness in their lives ships “marriages” because they are in and with a serious and sincere effort truth an attempt to secure social approvmake every effort to permit God’s grace al for a sexual escapade under the cloak to lead them to salvation. Those afflictand seeming commitment and pretext ed must recognize an abandonment of

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sinful inclination must be made. This is possible only in the life of the Church.

With the assistance of a devoted spiritual confessor and whatever psychological assistance might be deemed necessary, the Church is eager to integrate such souls into her life. Although the behavior many times may be reoriented, it is understood the elementary problem may always persist, but the grace of the Holy Spirit, readily available in the sacraments of the Church makes up for what is wanting in the individual. Christians in Orthodoxy may not live this lifestyle. There is no acceptability of homosexual behavior or activity within the life of the Church of Christ simply because it is contrary to nature itself and is characterized in God’s Revelation as idolatrous. We once again are called upon to hate the robbery, but love the thief. Holy Mother Church always embraces into the treasure of her soul those who are repentant, but never the sin or cause of sin into the treasury of her holy wisdom. The homosexual, therefore, to be faithful to Christ and the promise of salvation, must abandon the lifestyle and practice of gross immorality and assume voluntarily the life of chastity for the glory of Christ and the good of their own soul.

heavenly Father has created us in His own image. Although sin has destroyed our likeness to Him, it is our Christian vocation which prompts us to restore it in the life of the Church. Except for extreme medical reasons, it is not permitted an Orthodox believer to submit to vasectomies and tubal ligations for the express reason of inhibiting procreative ability. This violates the image of the body of man and woman as we received it from our Creator and which we are called upon in our Orthodox Christian vocation to return intact and integral, if this is His will, at the time of departure from this veil of tears. Only in those cases where professional physicians warrant such procedures to avert life-threatening circumstances, are they accepted by the spiritual life of the Church of Christ.

The Church and Politics

Though there are many names by which the Orthodox Church is known, perhaps the most hallowed name is that which is used to designate the Church in the Nicene Creed - “... One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.” The Orthodox hold that this phrase precisely describes the Orthodox Church. What each of these words means in its fullness is the subject of many deep and thoughtThe absolute necessity of a spiritual ful theological articles and books. confessor is mandatory. Those who persist in this practice cannot receive the The word “catholic” in this name of the sacraments and will be refused Christian Church has provoked many such efforts burial because of the scandal their life- at understanding. It can and does mean the universal perspective and outreach style arouses in faithful believers. of the Church, which transcends nationBodily Integrity al, racial and cultural boundaries. It can Faithful believers must be desirous of and does imply, as well, the outlook of preserving their bodily integrity. Our the Church toward the created world 2020

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and toward human affairs, which refuses to accept a compartmentalized selfunderstanding that restricts the interests and concerns of the Church to a narrowly defined “religious sphere.” The Orthodox Church, throughout its history, has both used and encouraged the arts, culture and education, and has addressed the whole range of social and public phenomena. Among these have been its relationship with government in general, and the exercise of civil power in concrete circumstances, i.e., politics.

As a general principle, the Orthodox Church has held a position on the ideal of Church and state relations which may be called “the principle of synergy.” It is to be distinguished from a sharp division of Church and state on the one hand, and a total fusion of Church and state, on the other hand. It recognizes and espouses a clear demarcation between Church and state, while calling for a cooperative relationship between the two.

ciple of synergy, but the Church has supported a range of attitudes which allow it to become involved in the political process on the one hand, while retaining its clear distinction from, and transcendence to it, on the other. Briefly stated, these are some of the guidelines which direct the Orthodox attitude toward involvement in politics by the Church: 1. Upholding its own vision of the kingdom of God. Uppermost in the mind of the Church is its prayer that human relations of all kinds might be incorporated into the kingdom of God. Such a sacramentally oriented perspective, based on the words of the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven,” when applied to the distinct God established realm of governmental and political life does not mean the submission of the state to the Church, but rather the acceptance by the state of the God-like principles of justice, equity, genuine service and care, and mutuality. Though the state is not “under the Church” as is the case with everything else - ideally it should in fact and practice be “under God.”

It is readily admitted that even when conditions for the implementation of such an ideal were most favorable, the ideal was not always fulfilled and realized. However, the historical example for the principle of synergy in Church 2. Adaptation to the Political Realities of and state relationships is the model of Time and Place. The Orthodox the Byzantine Empire, which lasted over Church readily recognizes that in this a thousand years (324-1453). Recent day and age no single nation comes scholarship has rejected the older viewclose to a realization of its ideal modpoint that in Byzantium the Church was el. The Church finds itself, however, subservient to the state, and now recogliving under many different political nizes that the view of the Byzantine systems and environments. Its chief Church on this question was misunderpatriarchate, that of Constantinople, is stood by earlier researchers. In the pracunder persecution in a Moslem domitical area of political life, it is nearly alnated country, Turkey. Another of its ways impossible fully to realize the prinpatriarchates, Jerusalem, functions in

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a theocratic Jewish state. Its largest patriarchate, Moscow, has lived a precarious life of bare legality, shifting from periods of relative tolerance to periods of overt persecution. One of its most active and vigorous patriarchal churches, in Romania, had worked out a unique modus vivendi with a government somewhat sympathetic, yet officially atheistic and Communist. Another of its larger national churches, that of Greece, is struggling to maintain the equilibrium between Church and state. On the other hand, the numerous Churches created by emigration from traditionally Orthodox countries enjoy freedom of religious practice, together with an obscurity enforced by their minority status in numerous western-style democracies, such as England, Germany, France, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

The Orthodox also seek to relate in some way with other systems of government not so easy to categorize, such as in the various nations of South America, and in such disparate places as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt and South Korea.

As can be understood, the adaptations of the ideal of synergy to reality must be varied in practice, and far from homogeneous. Nevertheless, certain modes of political relationship continue to be fostered by the Church.

These include good citizenship, pursuit of Church rights, official nonpartisanship, preference for lay leadership, support of justice, limited advocacy for the right of revolution, and the unique case of ethnarchy. Space al2020

lows only a few general comments on each of these.

Practical guidelines from biblical times and throughout its history, the Church has always fostered values which encourage good citizenship, regardless of the particular system of government. The Church fosters obedience to just laws, and even to unjust ones for the sake of the greater good.

To this category belongs the fostering of appropriate ethnic and cultural identification, the support of military service, and the defense of the nation.

The Church has also encouraged public service on the part of citizens, and philanthropies for the general good. Traditionally, the Church understands that one of its chief rights before the state is freedom to worship and function as a Church. Therefore, one of its major concerns is to assure its freedom, and to restrict or eliminate what it views as the improper interference of the state in the life of the Church.

Byzantine history has many examples of the Church opposing the policies of emperors who were considered to be improperly interfering in Church affairs. It must also be noted, however, that the Church often welcomed the involvement of the emperors when the Church judged that this involvement served its interests.

By and large, the Church is content to let the various political processes function in a way which separates the Church from partisan politics by maintaining a stance of general nonpartisanship. Regardless of the politi-

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system of the nation and government, the Church is prepared to pray for the leader, in accordance with New Testament teaching. In democracies, this means that the Church seeks, insofar as its other purposes allow, to avoid partisan politics, neither formally opposing nor endorsing political candidates. Historically, only officials who imposed heretical teachings on the Church, or persecuted the Church, might be personally condemned; but even in these cases there was a certain hesitancy. By and large, Hierarchs and other clergy do not seek to exercise political power, with the exception of the exercise of “ethnarchy,” a unique institution discussed below.

The official Church strongly prefers that its laity be involved in government and politics, and embody Christian values to the extent possible given the governmental and political systems in force. This approach avoids the evils of a theocratic system, while encouraging a more general lay involvement in the embodiment of the ideal of the kingdom of heaven in Church—state relationships.

The basic role of government is to provide protection and to ensure justice. The Church sees God as the source of justice; therefore, it shares His concern about justice within the state. In the political process, which seeks to embody justice, there are numerous means by which the Church has sought to further its concern for justice. In the ancient imperial system, churchmen had not only sought to form the character and conscience of the emperor in general, but

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frequently “whispered in the ear of the emperor” with reference to specific issues. The Church was a force for the improvement of laws, “toward greater philanthropy.” In present-day democratic societies Orthodox Hierarchs, ecclesiastical bodies, and even individual Orthodox Christians, must often publicly protest injustice, participate in the legislative process, and use other political means to further political issues with moral implications.

By and large, the Church approves stability of government and does not encourage revolution. Just as it recognizes the great evil in war, yet at times understands and accepts the need to wage war in defense of the homeland, so also, but even more reluctantly, does it accept the right to revolution in cases of severe and unbearable injustice. In most cases, the Church’s support of revolutionary causes has been related to efforts of national independence. However, there is nothing in the tradition which would reject out of hand revolutions which are motivated by a sense of unbearably oppressive injustice in other spheres.

Such concerns, as embodied in modern day “Liberation Theology” movements, have their antecedents in the writings of Church Fathers such as St. John Chrysostom, who railed against the exploitation of the poor by the rich. What the Orthodox Church finds unnecessary and unacceptable in “Liberation Theology” is the Marxist theoretical underpinnings of this theological movement. However, its concern for the downtrodden and the exploited is recognized to be essential

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Christianity.

The Concept of “Ethnarchy” Eastern Orthodoxy has a unique institution in its history, known as “ethnarchy,” which appears to contradict nearly everything which has been noted above about the Church’s attitude regarding practical involvement. “Ethnarchy” occurs when the highest ecclesiastical leader of the Church in a given area assumes political leadership. An excellent embodiment of the principles of “ethnarchy” was the assumption of authority as chief-of-state of Greece by Archbishop Damaskinos following the German withdrawal at the end of World War II. The most recent case was the assumption of the presidency of Cyprus

by Archbishop Makarios.

This rarely practiced institution occurs only in periods of crisis, when lay civil leaders cannot, because of extraordinary reasons, exercise normal political powers. When only a Church leader seems to be able to embody the identity of the people of the nation, the Hierarch may assume political and government leadership by general consensus. It is allimportant that such an exercise of political power should be only temporary and exceptional, until the regrouping of political forces in the nation allows the resumption of power by the lay leaders of the nation.

Human Rights In the portion of Orthodox theological doctrine which deals with humanity, there is much emphasis on the creation of human beings in the “image and likeness of God.” Many Fathers of the 2020

Church make a distinction between the two terms. The “likeness” is the high spiritual calling of every human being, to become “God like,” which is only made possible by the saving work of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, which is first and foremost realized in the life of the Church. The “image,” however, is the commonly held nature of all human beings. Though sin has had its impact upon human nature, so that all of our faculties are in some measure darkened and distorted, the Orthodox see human beings as still possessing a strong residue of the Godgiven likeness which is the essence of our humanity. Our intelligence, our power of self-determination, our aesthetic sense, our creativity, our moral perception, our integration of the individual and the social into our personhood, and numerous other characteristics provide manifestations of such likeness. Since all people share in the divine image, all persons enjoy a basic and fundamental human dignity before God, simply because they are human. As a result, God treats people with a fundamental dignity and respect, and expects that people will treat each other in the same way. The Bible teaches that “God is not a respecter of persons,” in the sense that He treats us all with equal dignity and respect as regards our basic humanity. This does not mean, of course, that there are also not legitimate roles and functions enjoyed by everybody in their social, economic, political and even ecclesiastical relations. Nevertheless, all persons are entitled to a fundamental respect and treatment by others, simply because they are human beings, created in the image of God.

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They need not accomplish anything, hold any rank, or possess anything, to “earn” this fundamental dignity. In our own days, this dignity has come to be stated in terms of “rights.” Historically, it had been stated in terms of “duties.”

These are two sides of the same coin, the first being a claim of the individual seeking an acknowledgment and treatment based on his or her human dignity, while the second is the responsibility of the other person to accord the respect which is due each person as a human being. Regardless of how the question is approached, the Church teaches that people have fundamental rights based on their dignity as human beings created in the image of God. In this spirit, the 25th Clergy Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese held at Atlanta in 1980 decried governmental actions which deny basic human dignity and rights:

ests of their allies. The blacks in South Africa, the Thais and the Tibetans, the Georgians, Ukrainians, Latvians, Estonians and Lithuanians in the Soviet Union, the Afghans and the Kurds in both Iran and Turkey; the Greek Cypriots in Cyprus, the Greeks in Northern Epirus, the Armenian and Greek minorities in Turkey - all these and many others are not included among the concerns of these powers unless they can serve as useful and valuable pawns in their political chess game.”

A general concern for human rights regardless of power, numbers, and strength - is evident in this statement, and can be particularized to certain specific cases, as well. Thus, each of the Orthodox jurisdictions in the United States, with their specific ethnic backgrounds, has a special concern for the peoples of their own heritage and the violation of the rights they are entitled to enjoy. Thus, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese evinces special concern for the Greek minority in Turkey, the Cypriot question, and the Greek minority in Albania. The Orthodox Church in America, which is Russian in background, concerns itself with the free exercise of religion in the Soviet Union and the rights of dissidents, especially those who are religiously motivated.

The Antiochian Archdiocese has a special concern for the rights of minority Orthodox Christians in Israel and with the Palestinian and Lebanese situations.

“We disapprove of governmental policies and actions which violate the unalienable rights of all men to freedom and human dignity. We are disillusioned and dismayed at the selective and hypocritical manner in which armed aggression and the violation of human rights by some nations are condemned, while similar acts by others are either ignored, or even worse, shamelessly justified. We express our indignation at the gross insensitivity of the so-called great or superpowers of the world toward small and defenseless nations and racial minorities of the world, and the cynical manner in All life is precious, but God uniquely which they are used or abused by creates human life in the “image and these powers to further what they belikeness of God.” Human life as such is lieve to be their interests or the interdeserving of deep respect and individual

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human beings are to be treated in accordance to their inherent human dignity. Thus, racism, unjust prejudicial treatment of men and women, genocide, forms of sexual exploitation, domestic violence, child abuse, rape, theft or destruction of legitimately owned property, deceptions and deceit, environmental plunder and other such manipulative behaviors violate the human dignity of others. Human life as a gift of God should be respected.

Women’s Rights Another important area of human rights concerns is the women’s liberation issue. The Church has attempted to avoid the reactionary male chauvinist stance, no less than a shrill feminism. The balance between recognition and practical support of the basic human rights of women on the one hand, and the great concern for the role of women in family life on the other, has produced a not-soeasy to categorize stance on the part of the Church. It is probably most sharply illustrated by the actions of the 1980 Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese on the proposed equal Rights Amendment: “... we believe and support the proposition that equality of rights shall not be denied or abridged under the terms of any law solely because of sex.”

The Orthodox are adamantly opposed to the ordination of women as liturgical clergy. There have been articles and books by both men and women theologians supporting this stand. At present, there is no movement within Orthodoxy for this innovation.

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Bioethics A few Orthodox writers have indicated concern for the bioethical questions which have arisen as a result of the development of highly technical methods of health care. They have been categorized into questions dealing with the “protection of life” and the “transmission of life.” Under the first rubric, some of the issues are the allocation of scarce medical resources, patient rights, human experimentation, abortion, child abuse, organ transplantation, the giving of bodies to science, the treatment of an increasingly aged population, questions of euthanasia and allowing terminal patients to die. Some of the most interesting questions belong to concepts centered on the very transmission of life: artificial insemination, artificial inovulation, in vitro fertilization, sterilization, genetic counseling and genetic screening as well as genetic engineering.

While no official positions have been formulated on these topics by the Church, theological opinions by Church theologians are beginning to be formed.

In an encyclopedia article on these topics, there is a good general statement on bioethics. The common denominator of all the issues discussed is the high regard and concern of the Church for human life as a gift of God. Orthodoxy tends to take a conservative approach to these issues, seeing in them a dimension of the holy, and relating them to transcendent values and concerns. An intense respect for human life is needed to hold the reins upon those who would attack it. The human person, from the very moment of conception, is dependent

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upon others for life and sustenance. It is in the community of the living, especially as it relates to the source of life, God in the Trinity, that life is conceived, nurtured, developed and fulfilled. The trust we have in others for the continued well -being of our own lives forms the basis for generalization. Eastern Orthodox ethics, consequently, functions with a pro-life bias that honors and respects the life of each person as a divine gift • which requires development and enhancement. To put it briefly, the views expressed by some theologians (without official sanction) on these controversial topics follow, though in an abbreviated form because of the lack of space: • •

Scarce medical resources should be allocated on the basis of justice and need, and not only on the ability to pay.

•

Patients have rights which should be • honored by the medical profession.

•

In principle, human experimentation cannot be prohibited, for the sake of the patients themselves and the wellbeing of others, but great care in respecting the dignity and integrity of the patients must be maintained, while the use of experimentation should be governed by strict rules of scientific necessity and informed consent.

•

Organ transplantation cannot be prohibited, but the chance of success should be high, taking the real need into account, evaluating carefully the impact on both donors and recipients.

While no one is obligated to give an

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organ, such a donation should be encouraged as an expression of Christian love; on the other hand, organ transplants from the dead involve different problems - in particular, the hastening of the death of the potential giver for the sake of the potential recipient, which is considered wrong.

Artificial insemination by a husband (AIH) is not rejected, but artificial insemination by donor (AID) is considered an improper intrusion of a third party in the sanctity of the marital relation.

In vitro fertilization is looked upon with great doubt because present methods cause the destruction of numerous human fertilized ova and even developing fetuses; this is still a form of abortion.

Genetic counseling and screening cannot be objected to in principle and in fact should be encouraged.

Converts and Proselytism Missionary activity is an essential part of the life of the Church. The great commission to the Church, “Go ye into the world, and preach the Gospel to all nations,” provides the Church with its mission to bring people into its life. The goal and purpose of mission is to bring new people into the life of salvation as realized in the character (ethos) and sacramental experience of the Church.

Consequently, the Orthodox Church conducts missionary activities in many parts of the world. This aspect of Orthodox Church life, strong enough during its first fourteen centuries, was se-

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verely hampered when much of the Orthodox Church fell under the political domination of Moslem powers; the great exception was the Church of Russia, which continued its own missionary work in the eastern parts of Russia and the Far East. During the period of subjugation to the Ottoman Empire, missionaries from Roman Catholic and Protestant countries came into Orthodox lands and sought to convert the Orthodox to their own professions of Christianity. Both had a measure of success as a result of their proselytizing efforts.

selves practice “proselytism” in the sense that they do not actively seek to cause the disaffection of others from their non-Orthodox Christian faiths.

This does not mean, however, that anyone seeking to learn about the Orthodox Faith will be turned away. Converts are not readily accepted unless they learn as much as possible about the Orthodox Faith before they make a decision to join it. Following instruction, close examination, and the expression of strong willingness to convert, they may be received into the Orthodox Church, some merely by declaration and repetition of the Creed, and others These two facts, the requirement of mis(the majority), by means of the sacrasionary activity, on the one hand, and ment of Holy Anointing (Chrismation). the reaction to proselytizing, on the other, have formed the present-day policies Third, if an Orthodox Christian is forof the Orthodox Church regarding mis- mally received into membership by ansionary work among non-Christians, other (non-Orthodox) Church and reconverts, and proselytism in both direc- ceives Holy Communion in that tions. The last few decades have seen a Church, he or she becomes an apostate resurgence of missionary efforts by the (apostates). Such a person is not considOrthodox in places like Uganda, Kenya, ered to be an Orthodox Christian any longer, and may not receive Holy ComSouth Korea, and Alaska. munion in the Orthodox Church, nor Dealing with other Christians serve at a baptism or wedding as a sponThe experience of being subject to mas- sor. Should such persons seek to return sive proselytizing efforts has caused the to the Orthodox Church, they are received back into the Church through a formulation of a multifaceted policy. profession of faith, and the sacrament of First, it has meant that Orthodoxy has Chrismation. sought to influence other churches, pri(Note: Much of the preceding was marily through the ecumenical movement, to renounce systematic proselytiz- gleaned from The Stand of the Orthoing programs. The opposition to such dox Church on Controversial Issues by organized “sheep-stealing” programs has Rev. Stanley Harakas, Th.D. of the been generally accepted in the ecumeniGreek Orthodox Archdiocese.) cal movement and they are not now widely practiced.

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Diocesan Administration

The American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of North America was established in 1938 by His All Holiness, the late Benjamin I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, under the Patriarchal Seal in the official Patriarchal Document listed under Protocol Number 1379 and dated September 19, 1938, and was canonized in the name of the Holy Orthodox Church of Christ. The Diocese was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1950.

Ruling Hierarch His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa 312 Garfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15906 Phone: (814) 539-9143 Email: bishopgregoryofnyssa@gmail.com Diocesan Chancellor Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro 312 Garfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15906 Phone: (814) 539-9143 Fax: (814) 536-4699 Email: fpmiloro@atlanticbb.net Diocesan Treasurer Very Rev. Miles P. Zdinak 141 Hoffman Farm Rd. Windber, PA 15963 Phone: (814) 467-7444 Email: frmiles@atlanticbb.net

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Diocesan Consistory and Board of Trustees

Diocesan Consistory His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Diocesan Chancellor Very Rev. Miles P. Zdinak, Diocesan Treasurer Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth M. Bachofsky, Consultor

Very Rev. Protopresbyter Samuel J. Sherry, Consultor Very Rev. Protopresbyter Mark Leasure, Consultor Very Rev. Andrew Fetchina, Consultor Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert Buczak, Consultor

Board of Trustees Mr. Daniel R. Breno, Financial Secretary Mr. John J. Bilanin

Dr. Sharon Peifer-Robinson Mr. William M. Korchak Attorney Steven Laduzinsky Mr. Matthew Mihaly Mr. Roger Pavlik Attorney Michael Vaporis, Diocesan Legal Counsel 2020

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Diocesan Ministries and Commissions Diocesan Director of Youth Very Rev. Stephen Loposky, Administrator of Camp Nazareth 339 Pew Road, Mercer, PA 16137 Phone: (724) 662-4840 Email: campnazareth@acrod.org

Diocesan Priests’ Pension Fund His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa, Chairman Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert Rebeck, Treasurer Very Rev. Stephen Loposky, Financial Secretary Rev. David Mastroberte, Recording Secretary Attorney Steven Laduzinsky

Vicariate for Diocesan Liturgical Publications and Music Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Chairman Very Rev. Protopresbyter Lawrence R. Barriger, Theological Advisor Very Rev. Protopresbyter David Cochran Very Rev. James Gleason Very Rev. Robert Prepelka Rev. David Mastroberte

Diocesan Building Commission Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky, Chairman 2053 North Rd. NE, Warren, OH 44483 Phone: (330) 372-6240 Rectory Phone: (330) 372-9778 Fax: (330) 372-5987 Email: otecken@yahoo.com

Foreign Missions Commission Very Rev. Protopresbyter Maxym Lysack Very Rev. Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly

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Diocesan Education Commission Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky, Supervisor of Schools

Regional Religious Education Directors Very Rev. Protopresbyter Samuel Sherry, Chicago Deanery Rev. David Urban, Pittsburgh and Tri-State Deaneries Very Rev. Tony Joseph, Johnstown Deanery Very Rev. Ronald Kovac, Pocono and Southern Tier Deaneries Rev. Jeff Zias, Mid-Atlantic Deanery Very Rev. Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly, New England Deanery Very Rev. John R. Pribish, New York-New Jersey Deaneries Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky, Youngstown Deanery Rev. Michael Shuster, Florida Deanery Very Rev. Peter Zarynow, Washington DC Deanery Very Rev. Protopresbyter Maxym Lysack, Canadian Deanery

Diocesan Apostolate for Youth (D.A.Y.) Very Rev. Andrew Fetchina, Director Very Rev. Miles P. Zdinak, Secretary Very Rev. Michael T. Chendorain, Editor of Daylight Very Rev. Protopresbyter Mark Leasure Very Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Paproski Very Rev. Protopresbyter Samuel Sherry Very Rev. Stephen Loposky Very Rev. Peter Zarynow Rev. Matthew G. Stagon

Ecumenical Commission Very Rev. Protopresbyter Lawrence R. Barriger Very Rev. Protopresbyter James S. Dutko

Diocesan Stewardship Commission Deacon Stephen Hall Mr. John Bilanin Mr. Dan Hromyak 2020

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Diocesan Ministries and Commissions

Diocesan Missions and Evangelism Commission Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro Very Rev. Andrew Fetchina Rev. James Blomely Pani Connie Miloro Donald Lauffler

Diocesan Carpatho-Rusyn Heritage Working Group (DCRHWG) Maria Korchak, Chairwoman Alexa Petrick, Secretary Pani Ileana Bennett Kyra Poploski Sophia Timko Anna Korchak

Theological Advisor to the Bishop Very Rev. Protopresbyter Lawrence R. Barriger

Canonical Advisor Dr. Lewis J. Patsavos

Orthodox Christians for Life Very Rev. Dr. Edward Pehanich

Diocesan Apostolate for Information Technology and Communication Very Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Paproski, Webmaster P.O. Box 66, Phoenixville, PA 19460 Phone: (610) 933-3336 Email: rppaproski@snet.net Diocesan Website: www.acrod.org A.C.R.Y. Websites: www.sracry.org www.jracry.org 88

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Diocesan Ministries and Commissions

Diocesan Youth Camp, Retreat and Conference Center

Camp Nazareth Very Rev. Stephen Loposky, Administrator 339 Pew Road, Mercer, PA 16137 Phone: (724)-662-4840 Fax: (724) 662-3723

Diocesan Seminary

Christ the Saviour Seminary 225 Chandler Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906 Phone: (814) 539-0116 Most Reverend, Metropolitan Gregory, Rector Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Dean Rev. Michael Rustick, Prefect Very Rev. Miles P. Zdinak, Treasurer 2020

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Diocesan Bookstores and Religious Gift Shops Gloria Incense Company 225 Chandler Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906 Fax: (814) 536-4699 Email: Gloriaincense@atlanticbb.net Mail, Email and Fax Orders only.

Camp Nazareth Gift Shop 339 Pew Road, Mercer, PA 16137 Phone: (724) 662-4840 Christ the Saviour Seminary Bookstore 225 Chandler Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906 Phone: (814) 539-0116 Email: csseminary@atlanticbb.net (Email subject line: “Bookstore�)

A.C.R.Y. Annual and Church Yearbook Staff Rev. Matthew G. Stagon, Editor 66 Beach Street, Rockaway, NJ 07866 Phone: (973) 627-1462 Email: fatherstagon@yahoo.com Rev. William Bennett, Business Manager 288 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10009 Phone: (212) 254-6685 Email: fr.william.bennett@gmail.com Supporting Editors and Staff Very Rev. Robert Prepelka, Julian Calendar Editor Rev. David Mastroberte, Revised Julian Calendar Editor Very Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Paproski, Spiritual Advisor P.O. Box 66, Phoenixville, PA 19460 Phone: (610) 933-3336 Email: rppaproski@snet.net

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Diocesan Ministries and Commissions

St. John the Compassionate Mission

St. John the Compassionate Mission is an Apostolate of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Established in 1987, St. John's Mission works in cooperation with the local Orthodox churches of Greater Toronto, to serve anyone in physical and spiritual need.

In fulfilling their calling to assist those in need, St. John the Compassionate provides physical and spiritual food five days a week at its modern kitchen and dining facilities and the Chapel of St. John the Compassionate. The Chapel of St. John is the heartbeat of the community as the rhythm of daily prayer nourishes and sustains them as they labor to do the work of Christ.

The Mission also owns and operates a bakery and a thrift store which employs the poor and disadvantaged.

The aim of this intern/live-in volunteer program is to teach and train interns in both the theological and practical understanding of Orthodox mission, so that the participants may more effectively minister to those in need in their local community.

For more information, contact Rev. Nicholas Atitenei

155 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4M 2E9 Canada Phone: (416) 466-5877 Fax: (416) 466-3517 Email: stjohnsmission@sympatico.ca Website: http://www.stjohnsmission.org/ http://www.stjohnsbakery.com

Most recently, the mission has expanded its outreach through the establishment of an internship program, known as the Lived Theology School.

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Holy Trinity Orthodox Christian Academy

Holy Trinity Orthodox Christian Academy and Preschool is the only Orthodox Christian School under the canonical protection of His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa since the fall of 2013 and is also the only Orthodox Christian School in the state of Ohio.

utilizing modern teaching techniques, with a 15 student limit per class for PreK through Sixth Graders.

Holy Trinity offers a faith-based education using the Classic Curriculum and

Website: http://www.htocaap.org

Using this proven system, their students rank at or above the 94th percentile of all private schools in the United States, all while maintaining spiritual growth Established in the fall of 2003, Holy and morality.

Trinity was the last of several sister Holy Trinity looks to continue to grow schools to be established in Northeaston their success and with the help of ern Ohio and by 2008 was the only reAlmighty God to one day minister to maining school functioning. students and their families from Pre-K The mission of the school is to act as a through 12th Grade. facilitator to parents providing an educaFor more information, contact tion to their children. Having gone well beyond academic excellence, they imSonya Anzivino merse their students in a spiritual, loving 175 Laird Avenue, NE environment allowing the child to grow Warren, Ohio 44483 spiritually and morally as well. They believe this to be an extension and fulPhone: (330) 399-7642 fillment of the primary, parental responFax: (330) 286-0232 sibility to raise and educate their children in a Christian manner.

Email: info@htocaap.org

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Diocesan Publications

Diocesan Publication:

The Church Messenger (Issued Monthly)

Editor of the Church Messenger Very Rev. Protopresbyter Mark Leasure 745 South Keyser Avenue, Taylor, PA 18517 Phone: (570) 562-1170 Fax: (570) 562-3224 Email: Fr.mal@comcast.net Business Manager Pani Betty Jean Baranik 312 Garfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15906 Phone: (814) 539-9143 Fax: (814) 536-4699 Publication Office: The Church Messenger 312 Garfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15906 Member: ASSOCIATED CHURCH PRESS

Editorial Staff Protopresbyter Lawrence R. Barriger, Associate Editor Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Chancery Editor Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly, Diocesan and Orthodox Christian News Editor

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Policies and Guidelines

Feature Articles

The following Policies and Guidelines have been prepared for the information of our readers and potential contributors. They are intended to keep The Church Messenger consistent with the standards expected of Orthodox Christian newspapers.

Feature articles are always welcome as long as they are knowledgably written and deal with a topic that would be of interest to readers. Anyone who wants to submit a feature article may call the editor of The Church Messenger to discuss and refine the topic or to inquire about submitting the completed work.

The policies are also meant to serve as a helpful aid to parishes when preparing for material to send for publication. If any of the policies or guidelines needs further explanation, please write or email Protopresbyter Mark Leasure, editor of The Church Messenger.

Guest Sermons

Clergy will be contacted periodically to submit a writing for the Guest Sermon section of The Church Messenger. Contact will be made by Protopresbyter Mark Leasure. Ideally the submitted We are always looking for ways to im- sermon should be 2 single-spaced pages prove the quality of our newspaper in length, 12 point Times New Roman while maintaining professional stand- font. ards.

Graduations, special academic

achievements, awards

Announcements

Articles regarding college graduations and post-graduate degrees of parishioners are welcome for publication. Please include a photo and brief biography including career intentions or future plans. Individual photos and/or articles of elementary and high school graduaAdvertisements tion will not be accepted for publication Currently The Church Messenger only unless they have received special recogaccepts paid advertisements of a church nition (e.g., valedictorian). related nature (liturgical articles, publicaAlso eligible for publication are news tions, vestments, etc.) but will publish articles about individual awards given notices and/or announcements of upfor special service or achievements in coming events and special items offered academic, civic or business fields, such for sale by Orthodox parishes and oras volunteerism, Eagle Scout, etc. ganizations with first preference for Obituaries available space given to those within the Diocese.

Generally, the only obituaries that are Announcements for upcoming activities should be sent at least six weeks before the event will take place for the best opportunity to be included in the issue prior to the event. Use the issue date and copy deadline schedule as a guide.

printed are those of the clergy, their wives and parents and, depending on

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tenure, parish cantors. Please include an accurate account of the parastas and funeral services. Only list the main celebrant, concelebrants and homilist (when applicable). Any personal achievements should be included with the biography.

A recent photo also should be submitted.

to include them if possible. Photographs should be of good quality, ideally action or candid shots, and be accompanied by key identifying information, such as the date and location of the event, sponsoring organization, names and positions/ titles of individuals, highlights of the event and any interesting information about the activity. Please note that phoOpinion/Commentaries tos cannot be returned. You may submit The Church Messenger does not print prints or electronic photo files on comletters to the editor or unsolicited op-ed puter diskette or CD-R or in jpeg format (see "Submissions" for preferred standcommentaries. ards.)

Parish News

Parish news includes parish-sponsored activities such as summer picnics, bazaars, anniversary celebrations, church or community service projects and pilgrimages. Also, consider reporting on outstanding professional, academic, civic or personal achievements by parishioners or those religious or civic organizations. Please note that the election of new officers for parish or school organizations, the appointment of special parish committees or simple participation of parishioners in local activities may not be of general interest to our readership and, therefore, will not be printed.

Submissions Materials must be received as soon as possible: ideally, no later than 6 weeks before an event, and no later than three week after an event. Old news is stale news. We will endeavor to tell our readers about your events, but timeliness is important.

An article about an event or activity that has already been covered in this publication will not be printed again Generally, the first article received is the one that will be printed.

All material submitted is subject to the editing process, to conform to our publishing style, industry standards and the Be creative with ideas. Many items are space limitations of each issue. newsworthy with the appropriate perspective and focus. If in doubt mail the Typewritten material is accepted, altarticle and let The Church Messenger hough computer-generated type is preferred and if possible, either e-mailed to staff decide. fr.mal@comcast.net or saved to a 3.5" The Pastor or designated parish reprediskette or CD-R in a PC-compatible sentative must approve all parish news world processing format (Microsoft items sent to this office.

Word is preferred) and postal-mailed along with a hard copy to the editor of Photos The Church Messenger. As with all Photographs add interest to articles; try 2020

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materials, these articles are subject to approval and editing and may not be returned.

Electronic submissions are preferred and acceptable in the following formats: For text use standard word processing programs such as Word Perfect or MS Word with a Times New Roman Font in 12-point size when sending attachments. Or, "cut and paste" the article directly into the body of the email.

Please refrain from formatting--it is much easier for the editorial staff to do this.

For electronic photo submissions, save images and scans as JPEG files (yields a compressed file size), with a width of no less than 3 inches for single subject images and no less than 5 inches for group shots. Photo files may be sent to Very Rev. Protopresbyter Mark Leasure on diskette or CD-R or emailed to fr.mal@comcast.net . If emailing multiple images, limit each email to no more than 2 MB (megabytes) of information (e.g. if sending 6 images at 1MB each, send two images in three separate emails).

Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Phone: (732) 826-4442 Fax: (732) 826-5383 Email: fmchendorain@gmail.com

The Diocesan Apostolate for Youth, in collaboration with the Diocesan Newspaper The Church Messenger, publishes a bi-monthly youth journal known as Daylight. Distributed as a supplement to the Church Messenger and available on line, Daylight is produced by and for the youth of the Diocese, with many of the articles written by the youth themselves as well as feature articles on Diocesan and parish events involving youth.

Its purpose is to be catechetical in nature and provide our youth with a foThe Final Deadline for submissions for rum to reflect their positive experiences publication is the first of each month. within the life of the Church.

Submissions to Daylight should be emailed to the Editor of Daylight, Fr. Michael Chendorain at fmchendorain@gmail.com by the first of the month.

Editor of Daylight Very Rev. Michael Chendorain 145 Broad Street,

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Deaneries and Deans Deanery of the Saints of Carpatho-Rus (Johnstown Deanery) Very Rev. Miles Zdinak, Dean 141 Hoffman Farm Road, Windber, PA 15963 Phone: (814) 467-7444 Email: frmiles@atlanticbb.net Johnstown, PA Christ the Saviour Cathedral

Huntington, PA Epiphany of our Lord Church

Johnstown, PA Christ the Saviour Seminary

Jenners, PA St. Mary Church

Central City, PA Saints Peter and Paul Church

Latrobe, PA St. Stephen Church

Clymer, PA St. Michael Church

Wilpen, PA St. John the Baptist Church

Hawk Run, PA St. John the Baptist Church

Windber, PA Saints Peter and Paul Church

Homer City, PA Saints Peter and Paul Church

Wood, PA St. Michael Church

Deanery of St. Nectarios (Youngstown Deanery) Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky, Dean 2053 North Rd. NE, Warren, OH 44483 Phone: (330) 372-6240 Rectory Phone: (330) 372-9778 Fax: (330) 372-5987 Email: otecken@yahoo.com Warren, OH St. Nicholas Church

North Royalton, OH Christ the Saviour Church

Akron, OH Dormition of the Virgin Mary Chapel

Hermitage, PA St. John the Baptist Church

Erie, PA St. Nicholas Church

Youngstown, OH St. Michael Church

Mercer, PA (Camp Nazareth) Saints Cyril and Methodios Church New Castle, PA St. Nicholas Church 2020

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Columbus, OH Holy Cross Mission

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Deanery of St. Andrew the Apostle (New Jersey Deanery) Very Rev. Andrew Fetchina, Dean 211 West Grand Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065 Phone: (732) 382-8844 Email: Frandrew@comcast.net Perth Amboy, NJ St. John the Baptist Church

Manville, NJ Holy Ghost Church

Bayonne, NJ St. Mary Church

Rahway, NJ St. John the Baptist Church

Elizabeth, NJ St. Nicholas Church

Rockaway, NJ Saints Peter and Paul Church

Freehold, NJ St. Paul the Apostle Church

South River, NJ St. Euphrosynia Belarusian Church

Deanery of St. Mary Magdalene and the Myrrh-Bearers (New York Deanery) Rev. William Bennett, Dean 288 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10009 Phone: (212) 254-6685 Email: Fr.William.Bennett@gmail.com

New York City, NY (Tenth Street) St. Nicholas Church

Seaford, NY St. Gregory of Nyssa Church

New York City, NY (Seventh Street) St. Mary Church

Yonkers, NY St. Mary Church

Richmond Hill, NY St. Cyril of Turov Belarusian Church Deanery of St. Mary of Egypt (Florida Deanery) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P.Miloro, Dean 312 Garfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15906 Phone: (814) 410-3498 Lakeland, FL St. Nectarios Mission

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Spring Hill, FL Holy Trinity Church

Diocesan Yearbook

Hollywood, FL Presentation of our Lord Church

2020

Deaneries and Deans

Deanery of St. Justinian the Great (Washington, DC Deanery) Very Rev. Peter Zarynow, Dean 10201 Democracy Boulevard, Potomac, MD 20854 Phone: (301) 299-5120 Email: frzarynow@gmail.com Potomac, MD Holy Resurrection Church

Manassas, VA Nativity of our Lord Church

Woodstock, GA St. Elizabeth Mission

Candler, NC St. George Chapel

Waldorf, MD St. Thomas the Apostle Church

Murphy, NC St. Nicholas Mission Hendersonville, NC St. Anthony the Great Mission

Deanery of St. Nicholas (Pittsburgh Deanery) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Joseph Fester, Dean 211 Cable Avenue, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112 Phone: (412) 824-0246 Email: josephfester@gmail.com Ambridge, PA St. John the Baptist Church

Pittsburgh, PA St. John the Baptist Church

East Pittsburgh, PA St. John the Baptist Church

Rankin, PA St. Michael Church

Homestead, PA St. Nicholas Church Deanery of St. Peter the Apostle (Mid-Atlantic Deanery) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert Rebeck, Dean 1231 North 14th Street, Whitehall, PA 18052 Phone/Fax: (610) 432-0272 Allentown, PA Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Levittown, PA Saints Peter and Paul Church 2020

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Phoenixville, PA Holy Ghost Church St. Clair, PA St. Michael Church 99

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Deanery of St. Romanos the Melodist (Pocono Deanery) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Mark Leasure, Dean 745 South Keyser Avenue, Taylor, PA 18517 Phone: (570) 562-1170 Fax: (570) 562-3224 Email: fr.mal@comcast.net Taylor, PA St. George Church

Lansford, PA St. Nicholas Church

Dickson City, PA St. Mary Church

Nesquehoning, PA St. John the Baptist Church

Freeland, PA St. Michael Church

Scranton, PA St. Nicholas Church

Deanery of St. Catherine of Sinai (Southern Tier Deanery) Very Rev. Protopresbyter James S. Dutko, Dean 280 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 Phone: (607) 797-4471 Fax: (607) 797-1090 Email: frjimd@styny.rr.com Binghamton, NY St. Michael Church

Corning, NY St. Mary Church

Cheektowaga, NY St. Mary Church

Endicott, NY St. Mary Church

Deanery of St. Elizabeth, the Mother of St. John the Baptist (Canada Deanery) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Maxym Lysack, Dean 26 Bowmoor Avenue, Nepean, Ontario K2E-6M4 Canada Phone: (613) 723-7790 Fax: (613) 723-7611 Email: frmaxym@sympatico.ca Ottawa, Ontario Christ the Saviour Church Scarborough, Ontario St. Zoticos Mission

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Toronto, Ontario St. Silouan the Athonite Mission St. John the Compassionate Mission St. Euphrosynia Belarusian Church

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Deaneries and Deans

Deanery of St. Anna (Tri-State Deanery) Very Rev. Michael Kabel, Dean 70600 Barton Road, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 Phone: (740) 695-9533 Email: mckabel@gmail.com Barton, OH St. Nicholas Church

McKeesport, PA St. Michael Church

Bluefield, WV Dormition of the Mother of God Church

Monongahela, PA St. Nicholas Church

Jacobs Creek, PA St. Nicholas Church

Morgantown, WV Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

Deanery of St. John the Baptist (New England Deanery) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly, Dean 74 Joes Hill Road, Danbury, CT 06811 Phone: (203) 748-0671 Email: padreluke@aol.com Danbury, CT Holy Trinity Church

Stratford, CT (Broadbridge Avenue) St. John the Baptist Church

Bridgeport, CT St. John the Baptist Church

Stratford, CT (Silver Lane) St. John the Baptist Church

Deanery of the Archangel Michael (Chicago Deanery) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Samuel Sherry 7313 Waukegan Road, Niles, IL 60714 Phone/Fax: (847) 647-8398 Email: frsam@juno.com

2020

Niles, IL St. Michael Church

Battleground, IN St. Alexis (Toth) Church

Crawfordsville, IN Holy Transfiguration Mission

Rockford, IL Christ the Saviour Church

Chicago, IL St. George Belarusian Church

Schererville, IN Descent of the Holy Spirit Church

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The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America (formerly known as the episcopal Assembly of North and Central America) is one of twelve Bishops’ Assemblies which have been established in different geographical regions throughout the world.

nized substantial canonical ‘anomalies’ in the organization and life of the Church in these regions, and realized that, though these anomalies had arisen from specific historical circumstances and pastoral needs, they nonetheless present a number of serious problems for the faithful; moreover, they give an appearance of disunity in the one Holy It is made up of all the active, canonical Church.

Orthodox Bishops of the United States As such, these representatives unaniof America, of every jurisdiction. mously agreed to the formation of the The Assembly has been established in Assemblies of Bishops to heal, as quickaccordance with the Decision of the 4th ly as possible, these anomalies.

Pre-Conciliar Pan-Orthodox Conference, convoked in Chambésy, Switzer- The purpose of the Assembly of Bishland, June 6-12, 2009, at which met rep- ops is to preserve and contribute to the resentatives from all the universally- unity of the Orthodox Church by helprecognized autocephalous Orthodox ing to further her spiritual, theological, churches. These representatives recog- ecclesiological, canonical, educational,

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The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA

missionary and philanthropic aims.

bers. It has established a number of committees to help further its work.

To accomplish this, the Assembly has as These committees are charged by the its goals: Assembly with specific tasks; they are i) the promotion and accomplishment made up of member Bishops, and are of Church unity in America; assisted by lay and clergy advisors. The ii) the strengthening of the common Assembly understands itself to be the pastoral ministry to all the Orthodox successor of SCOBA, and as such, it has assumed all of its agencies, diafaithful of this region; and logues, and other ministries. iii) a common witness by the Church to all those outside her. In addition, the Unlike SCOBA however, the Assembly is a transitional body. If it achieves its Assembly has as an express goal goal, it will make itself obsolete by deiv) the organization of the Church in the veloping a proposal for the canonical United States of America in accordance organization of the Church in America. with the ecclesiological and the canoniUltimately to be succeeded by a governcal tradition of the Orthodox Church. ing synod of a united Church in AmeriThe Assembly, which meets annually, ca. functions by a consensus of all its mem-

Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Archdiocese of America, the Chairman of the Assembly of Bishops led a delegation of the Assembly which met with representatives of Oriental Orthodox Christian Churches for the first time in ten years at Saint Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City.

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Diocesan Church Directory (By State) Holy Resurrection Church, Potomac, Maryland

Churches follow the Old (Julian Calendar) except for those designated on the preceding pages as following the New (Revised Julian Calendar)

Connecticut Bridgeport – St. John the Baptist Church Very Rev. Protopresbyter David Cochran Very Rev. Protopresbyter John Duranko, Pastor Emeritus 384 Mill Hill Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610 Phone/Fax: (203) 335-6170 Danbury – Holy Trinity Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly 74 Joe’s Hill Road, Danbury, CT 06811 Phone: (203) 748-0671 Fax: (203) 794-1490 Stratford – St. John the Baptist Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Edward Macura 600 Silver Lane, Stratford, CT 06614 Phone: (203) 386-8888 Stratford – St. John the Baptist Church (Administered by the New England Deanery) 1240 Broadbridge Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615 Phone: (203) 375-2564

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Florida Hollywood —Presentation of our Lord Church 5801 Grant Street, Hollywood, FL 33021 Phone: (970) 620-3899 Lakeland – St. Nectarios Mission (New Calendar) Rev. Demetrious Glimidakis 405 Marcum Road, Lakeland, FL 33809 Phone: (863) 815-1576

Spring Hill – Holy Trinity Church (New Calendar) 11200 Elgin Boulevard, Spring Hill, FL 34608 Phone: (352) 686-6050

Georgia Woodstock (Atlanta) – St. Elizabeth Mission (New Calendar) Rev. Matthew Dutko Deacon Stephen Hanes 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock, GA 30188 Phone: (404) 268-6359

Illinois Chicago – St. George Belarusian Church Rev. Michael Pasieka 1500 North Maplewood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622 Phone: (312) 751-9168 Niles – St. Michael Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Samuel Sherry Deacon Peter Sodini 7313 Waukegan Road, Niles, IL 60714 Phone/Fax: (847) 647-8398 Rockford – Christ the Saviour Church (New Calendar) Rev. Jonathan Bannon Deacon Janke Valukeviec 1802 Pershing Avenue, Rockford, IL 61109 Phone: (815) 398-2134

Indiana Battleground – St. Alexis Church (New Calendar) Rev. Gregory Allard 2115 State Route 225 E, Battleground, IN 47920 Phone: (765) 320-0069

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Indiana (continued) Crawfordsville – Holy Transfiguration Mission (New Calendar) Rev. Alexis Miller 4636 West Fall Creek Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 Phone: (765) 307-0515 Schererville – Descent of the Holy Spirit Church Rev. Lev Holowaty 545 East 77th Avenue, Schererville, IN 46375 Phone/Fax: (219) 864-1529

Maryland Potomac – Holy Resurrection Church Very Rev. Peter Zarynow 10201 Democracy Boulevard, Potomac, MD 20854 Phone: (301) 299-5120 Fax: (301) 983-0847 Waldorf – St. Thomas the Apostle Church (New Calendar) Rev. Joseph Edgington 4419 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf, MD 20602 Phone: (301) 638-5035

New Jersey Bayonne – St. Mary Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. John P. Fencik 90 West 30th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002 Phone: (201) 436-5549 Fax: (201) 858-0955 Elizabeth – St. Nicholas Church Very Rev. John R. Pribish 668 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202 Phone: (908) 354-1384 Freehold – St. Paul the Apostle Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Robert E. Lucas 24 Burke Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 Phone: (732) 780-3158 Manville – Holy Ghost Church Rev. Kenneth Ellis 249 South 7th Avenue, Manville, NJ 08835 Phone: (908) 725-3385

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New Jersey (continued) Perth Amboy – St. John the Baptist Church Very Rev. Michael Chendorain Protodeacon Gregory Benc 145 Broad Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Phone: (732) 826-4442 Fax: (732) 826-5383 Rahway – St. John the Baptist Church Very Rev. Andrew Fetchina 211 West Grand Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065 Phone: (732) 382-8844 Rockaway – Saints Peter and Paul Church Rev. Matthew G. Stagon 66 Beach Street, Rockaway, NJ 07866 Phone: (973) 627-1462 South River – St. Euphrosynia Belarusian Church Rev. Constantine Gavrilkin 284 Whitehead Avenue, South River, NJ 08882 Phone: (732) 257-5007

New York Binghamton – St. Michael Church Very Rev. Protopresbyter James S. Dutko Deacon Charles Ellis 280 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 Phone: (607) 797-4471 Fax: (607) 797-1090

Cheektowaga – St. Mary Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Thomas Kadlec (Retired) Deacon Donald Koch 940 Losson Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Phone: (716) 662-6915 Painted Post (Corning) – St. Mary Church Rev. Daniel Mahler 61 Canada Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 Phone: (607) 962-5285 Endicott – St. Mary Church Rev. Nathaniel Choma 1907 Jenkins Street, Endicott, NY 13760 Phone: (607) 754-8952

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New York (continued) New York City – St. Mary Church Rev. David J. Kossey 121 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10009 Phone: (212) 674-1066 New York City – St. Nicholas Church Rev. William Bennett 288 East 10th Street, New York, NY 10009 Phone: (212) 254-6685 Richmond Hill – St. Cyril of Turov Belarusian Church Very Rev. Vasily Andrejuk 104-29 Atlantic Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419 Phone: (718) 847-4123 Seaford – St. Gregory of Nyssa Church (New Calendar) Rev. Andrew Gromm 1100 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY 11783 Phone: (516) 541-3628 Yonkers – St. Mary Church Rev. Stephen E. Krivonak III (Supply Priest) 485 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701 Phone: (914) 963-5549

North Carolina Candler— St. George Chapel (New Calendar) Rev. John Zboyovski (Retired) 818 Monte Vista Road, Candler, NC 28715 Hendersonville– St. Anthony the Great Mission (New Calendar) Rev. Photios Parks 120 Chadwick Avenue, #8, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Murphy – St. Nicholas Mission (New Calendar) Rev. James Blomely 23 Hickory Street, Murphy, NC 28906 Phone: (828) 361-1464

Ohio Akron – Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel Very Rev. Protopresbyter Myron G. Zuder, Ph.D. (Retired) 91 South Arlington Avenue, Akron, OH 44306 Phone: (330) 835-4840

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Ohio (continued) Barton – St. Nicholas Church Very Rev. Michael Kabel 70600 Barton Road, St. Clairsville, OH 43950 Phone: (740) 695-9533 Columbus – Holy Cross Mission (New Calendar) Rev. Mark Lowery Rev. Kevin Greenwood Deacon Edward Brisbine 330 E. Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington, OH 43085 Phone (614) 784-1419 North Royalton – Christ the Saviour Church (New Calendar) 10000 State Road, North Royalton, OH 44133 Phone: (440) 237-1781 Warren – St. Nicholas Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth M. Bachofsky 2053 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483 Phone: (330) 372-6240 Rectory Phone: (330) 372-9778 Fax: (330) 372-5987 Youngstown – St. Michael Church (New Calendar) (Administered by the Youngstown Deanery) Very Rev. Protopresbyter George Hutnyan, Pastor Emeritus 125 Steel Street, Youngstown, OH 44509 Phone: (330) 799-8133

Pennsylvania Allentown – Protection of Blessed Virgin Mary Church Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert J. Rebeck Corner of 6th St. and Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18103 Phone/Fax: (610) 432-0272 Ambridge – St. John the Baptist Church Rev. Vincent Dranginis Very Rev. Protopresbyter John P. Gido, Pastor Emeritus 450 Glenwood Drive, Ambridge, PA 15003 Phone: (724) 266-2879 Central City – Saints Peter and Paul Church Protodeacon Oleg Aminov 149 Wheeler Street, Central City, PA 15926 Phone: (814) 536-1136

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Diocesan Church Directory (By State)

Pennsylvania (continued) Clymer – St. Michael Church (Administered by the Johnstown Deanery) 465 Morris Street, Clymer, PA 15728 Phone: (724) 254-1535 Dickson City – St. Mary Church Rev. Alexei Kaluzhnyi 522 Main Street, Dickson City, PA 18519 Phone: (570) 489-7023 East Pittsburgh – St. John the Baptist Church Very Rev. Protopresbyter Joseph Fester 211 Cable Avenue, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112 Phone: (412) 824-0246 Erie – St. Nicholas Church Rev. Nicholas Mihaly 1123 East Avenue, Erie, PA 16503 Phone: (814) 453-4902 Freeland – St. Michael Church Very Rev. Protopresbyter Lawrence R. Barriger Protodeacon Theodore Worobey 451 Fern Street, Freeland, PA 18224 Phone: (570) 636-2085 Hawk Run – St. John the Baptist Church Rev. Peter Benyo Protodeacon Emil Gulick 53 Fulton Street, Hawk Run, PA 16840 Phone: (814) 342-0163 Hermitage – St. John the Baptist Church (New Calendar) Rev. David Mastroberte Very Rev. Protopresbyter Michael Polanichka, Pastor Emeritus Deacon John Anderson 3180 Morefield Road, Hermitage, PA 16148 Church Phone: (724) 981-0571 Rectory Phone: (724) 346-4457 Homer City – Saints Peter and Paul Church Rev. Matthew Conjelko 427 South Main Street, Homer City, PA 15748 Phone: (724) 479-3656

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Diocesan Church Directory (By State)

Pennsylvania (continued) Homestead – St. Nicholas Church Very Rev. R. Michael Zak Deacon Arthur Stienstra Deacon Marc Wisnosky 903 Ann Street, Homestead, PA 15120 Phone: (412) 461-3264 Fax: (412) 461-9437 Huntingdon – Epiphany of Our Lord Church (New Calendar) Rev. Thomas Klein 105 Penn Street, Blair Park, PA 16652 Phone: (717) 264-7158 Jacobs Creek – St. Nicholas Church (New Calendar) (Administered from St. Nicholas Church, Monongahela, PA) Very Rev. Dr. Edward Pehanich Main Street, Jacobs Creek, PA 15448 Phone: (724) 258-3785

Jenners – St. Mary Church (Administered by the Johnstown Deanery) 5222 Front Street, Jenners, PA 15546 Phone: (814) 539-0116 Johnstown – Christ the Saviour Cathedral His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory Tatsis Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert Buczak, Dean Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Dean Emeritus Very Rev. John A. Baranik Jr. Very Rev. John S. Brancho 300 Garfield Street, Johnstown, PA 15906 Phone: (814) 539-8086 Johnstown – Christ the Saviour Seminary Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Dean Rev. Michael Rustick, Prefect Mount Christ the Saviour, 225 Chandler Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906 Phone: (814) 539-0116 Lansford – St. Nicholas Church Rev. Robert Teklinski 125 W. Bertsch Street, Lansford, PA 18232 Phone: (570) 645-4311

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Pennsylvania (continued) Latrobe – St. Stephen Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Tony Joseph (Retired) 1520 Susan Drive, Latrobe, PA 15650 Phone: (724) 539-1109 Levittown – Saints Peter and Paul Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Theodore Z. Mozes 1314 Randall Avenue, Levittown, PA 19057 Phone/Fax: (215) 943-8222 McKeesport – St. Michael Church Rev. George R. Patrick (Retired) 424 Ninth Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132 Phone: (412) 414-4704 Mercer – Saints Cyril and Methodios Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Stephen Loposky 339 Pew Road, Mercer, PA 16137 Phone: (724) 662-4840 Fax: (724) 662-3723 Monongahela – St. Nicholas Church Very Rev. Dr. Edward Pehanich 314 Sixth Street, Monongahela, PA 15063 Phone: (724) 258-5072 Nesquehoning – St. John the Baptist Church Rev. Robert Teklinski 9 West Railroad Street, Nesquehoning, PA 18240 Phone: (570) 669-6623 New Castle – St. Nicholas Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Protopresbyter Richard G. Salley 205 East Reynolds Street, New Castle, PA 16101 Phone: (724) 652-7602 Phoenixville – Holy Ghost Church Very Rev. Protopresbyter Peter Paproski 55 Starr Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460 Phone/Fax: (610) 933-3336 Pittsburgh – St. John the Baptist Church Rev. David Urban 2688 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: (412) 748-0148

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Diocesan Church Directory (By State)

Pennsylvania (continued) Rankin – St. Michael Church Very Rev. Nicholas Ferencz 146 Third Avenue, Rankin, PA 15104 Phone: (412) 271-2725 Scranton – St. Nicholas Church (Administered by the Pocono Deanery) 505 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 Phone: (570) 344-5917 St. Clair – St. Michael Church Rev. Jeff Zias North Nicholas Street, St. Clair, PA 17970 Phone: (570) 429-0670 Taylor – St. George Church Very Rev. Protopresbyter Mark Leasure Deacon Michael Azar 743 South Keyser Avenue, Taylor, PA 18517 Phone: (570) 562-2090 Fax: (570) 562-3224 Wilpen (Ligonier) – St. John the Baptist Church (New Calendar) Very Rev. Tony Joseph (Retired) 315 Wilpen Road, Ligonier, PA 15658 Phone: (724) 238-9783 Windber – Saints Peter and Paul Church Very Rev. Miles P. Zdinak Deacon Robert Conjelko 141 Hoffman Farm Road, Windber, PA 15963 Phone: (814) 467-5194 Wood – St. Michael Church (New Calendar) Rev. Thomas Klein Box 47, Wood, PA 16694 Phone: (814) 635-3752

Virginia Manassas – Nativity of Our Lord Church (New Calendar) Rev. Daniel Vaskalis 8911 Weems Road, Manassas, VA 20010 Phone: (703) 629-0414

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Diocesan Church Directory (By State)

West Virginia Bluefield – Dormition of the Mother of God Church (New Calendar) Rev. Michael Foster 187 Justin Lane, Bluefield, WV 24701 Phone: (304) 323-2648 Morgantown – Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Church (New Calendar) Rev. George Ellis 3 West Park Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26501 Phone: (304) 296-4319

Ontario, Canada Ottawa, Ontario – Christ the Saviour/Holy Trinity Church Very Rev. Protopresbyter Maxym Lysack Deacon Peter Bowers 721 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON K1R-6P7 CANADA Phone: (613) 723-7790 Scarborough, Ontario - St. Zoticos Mission (New Calendar) Rev. Nicolae Atitienei 193 Markham Road, Scarborough, ON M1J 3C3 CANADA Phone: (647) 358-4105 Toronto, Ontario – St. Silouan the Athonite Mission (New Calendar) Rev. Paul Tadros 237 Sackville Street (Lower Level), Toronto, ON M5A-3G1 CANADA Phone: (416) 703-1111 Toronto, Ontario – St. John the Compassionate Mission (New Calendar) Rev. Nicolae Atitienei Deacon Pawel Mucha 153-155 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4M-2E9 CANADA Phone: (416) 466-5877 Fax: (416) 466-3517

Toronto, Ontario - St. Euphrosynia Belarusian Church Very Rev. Vasyl Ostafiychuk 1008 Dovercourt Road, Toronto, ON M6H-2X8 CANADA Phone: (419) 536-4449

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Central Events of the Diocese

Metropolitan Gregory celebrates the Divine Liturgy for the Nativity of our Lord together with Fr. Robert Buczak, Cathedral Dean, at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Fr. Robert Buczak blesses the Christ the Saviour Cathedral faithful with the newly blessed Holy Water on the eve of Theophany in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

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Sixty parents and their children participated in the First Diocesan Parenting Workshop at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, New Jersey. Discussions and activities were led for the parents by Metropolitan Gregory (above) and Fr. Stephen Loposky, and for the children by Pani Amy George, Pani Eleanor Pribish, and Fr. Peter Paproski (below).

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The First Diocesan Parenting Workshop began and ended in prayer with Great Vespers together with Metropolitan Gregory at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, New Jersey.

Jonah Zias is tonsured to the Order of Reader

by Metropolitan Gregory during his Pastoral Visit to St. Michael Church in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania in March.

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Matthew Mykut reads the Epistle following his tonsuring to the Order of Reader by Metropolitan Gregory at St. Michael Church in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania.

Deacon Vincent Dranginis is ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Gregory at St. Michael Church in Saint Clair, Pennsylvania.

Metropolitan Gregory reflects on the reading of the Holy Gospel during a Pastoral Visit to St. Nicholas Church in Warren, Ohio on the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

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Central Events of the Diocese

The participants in the Central Region A.C.R.Y. Lenten Retreat in April.

The participants in the Eastern Region A.C.R.Y. Lenten Retreat in April.

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Fr. Robert Rebeck was honored by the faithful of Protection Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania on his 80th Birthday during the Pastoral Visit of Metropolitan Gregory in April. They are shown together with youth and Altar Servers.

Metropolitan Gregory led the Paschal celebration at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in April.

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The Annual Diocesan Priests Convocation took place at Camp Nazareth over three days in mid-May. The fathers had small group discussions and shared meals together. Additional presentations were made by Metropolitan Gregory, Fr. Frank Miloro, and special presentations by Deacon Andrew on Becoming Truly Human, Fr. David Mastroberte on the Diocesan Marriage Service, and Fr. Ken Bachofsky offered a Scriptural lesson to the gathered fathers.

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Stephen Sudik (top) was tonsured a Reader, Reader Alexander Zarynow (center) elevated to the Sub-diaconate, and Alex Breno (bottom) was tonsured and elevated to the Sub-diaconate at Holy Resurrection Church in Potomac, Maryland during the Divine Liturgy of the A.C.R.Y. National Bowling Tournament in May.

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Metropolitan gathered with the faithful of St. George Belarusian Church in Chicago, Illinois for a Pastoral Visit in May.

Metropolitan Gregory is greeted with roses by youth from St. Alexis Church in Battleground, Indiana during the banquet following the Consecration of their beautiful new Church in June.

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Metropolitan Gregory (left) offered much to the clergy to consider about their ministries and themselves over the course of the event. The worship services were uplifting with the powerful singing of our Plain Chant (right) in the Saints Cyril and Methodios Church. The clergy enjoyed fellowship (below) together and the delicious foods prepared by the Camp Nazareth Staff.

Metropolitan Gregory blesses one of the new icons at St. Alexis Church in Battleground, Indiana during the Consecration of the new Church in June.

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Deacon Michael Foster was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Gregory at St. Mary Church in Morgantown, West Virginia in June .

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Diocesan Altar Servers enjoyed their Annual three-day Retreat in July at Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, Pennsylvania under the direction of Fr. David Cochran. The young men spent Monday enjoying fun and fellowship together while rafting down the Stony Creek River. The Divine Liturgy was beautifully celebrated on Tuesday morning with the rest of the day being spent enjoying the sun and fun at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Windber, Pennsylvania. Throughout the course of the retreat Diocesan Clergy spoke on respectful and reverent service at God’s Holy Altar.

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More action, fellowship, and worship from the Altar Boy Retreat.

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Diocesan Young Women enjoyed their Annual Retreat in July at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Windber, Pennsylvania under the direction of Pani Eleni Stagon and Pani Amy George. During their time together they engaged in discussions and were able to spend Tuesday at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania where they were able to speak Mother Christophora and the sisters before stopping for some Mini Golf and Ice Cream on the return trip. On Wednesday morning they celebrated Divine Liturgy together.

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The Kardiotissa Icon of Taylor visited Saints Cyril and Methodios Church at Camp Nazareth during each of the Summer Diocesan Camping Sessions.

Joseph Korba of St. Michael Church in Binghamton, New York was tonsured to the Order of Reader at Camp Nazareth by Metropolitan Gregory in August.

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The Second Diocesan Parenting Workshop was held at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Niles, Illinois in September with Metropolitan Gregory and Fr. Stephen Loposky engaging the adults in discussions, while, Fr. Gregory Allard (to the left) assisted the young people in baking Prosphora. (below) It seemed no one had trouble finding a bud to pal around with during this excellent event.

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Christ the Saviour Seminary Students are shown together with the Dean of the Seminary Fr. Frank Miloro, Seminary Confessor Fr. Miles Zdinak, and Seminary Prefect Fr. Michael Rustick following the First Divine Liturgy of the new school year in September.

Metropolitan Gregory took part in the Executive Committee Meeting of the Assembly of Bishops in his capacity as Secretary of the Assembly in September in New York City. It was the first meeting hosted by the new Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

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(Above) Delegates were greeted with a smile to the 24th Diocesan Council-Sobor while (below) seminary classmates (left to right) Fathers John Fencik, John Pribish, and R. Michael Zak are shown enjoying fellowship during the first evening of the Diocesan Sobor held at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

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The Monday morning Sobor Divine Liturgy in celebration of the Feast of the Protection at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania proved to be the highlight of a wonderful three-day Diocesan gathering.

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Diocesan Delegates at the Diocesan Council-Sobor during meetings on Tuesday.

Ann Melanie Yurchisin (above) offered a poetic toast and Diocesan Clergy wives (below) brought roses and words of greeting to Metropolitan Gregory at the beginning of the Grand Banquet on Tuesday evening at the Diocesan Council-Sobor.

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St. John the Baptist Church in Wilpen, Pennsylvania celebrated their 100th Anniversary of Parish Ministry together with Metropolitan Gregory in October. A celebratory banquet (below) held at the Antiochian Village Conference Center followed the morning Divine Liturgy (above).

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Mr. Stephen Petrick of St. Mary Church in Bayonne, New Jersey was invested as an Archon of the Ecumenical Throne at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New York City. He is shown together His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory who took part in the weekend’s festivities together with Stephen and his family.

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St. John the Baptist Church in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania celebrated their 100th Anniversary of Parish Ministry together with Metropolitan Gregory in October. Newly installed icons (below) on the choir loft were blessed at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

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Metropolitan Gregory was greeted with the traditional gifts of bread and salt during his Pastoral Visit to St. Nectarios Mission in Lakeland, Florida in November.

Metropolitan Gregory bestows the silver Pectoral Cross on Fr. Demetrious Glimidakis during his Pastoral Visit to St. Nectarios Mission in Lakeland, Florida.

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Christ the Saviour Seminary Students are shown together with the young people in attendance at the Annual St. Nicholas Benefit Dinner hosted each year by the Pittsburgh and Tri-State Deaneries for the benefit of the seminary.

Metropolitan Gregory, the Episcopal Overseer of Orthodox Christian Fellowship, is shown with Diocesan college students during the OCF’s Annual College Conference East at Antiochian Village in Ligonier, Pennsylvania in December.

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Diocesan Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate are laymen who have been honored for their outstanding service to the Church by having a Patriarchal title bestowed upon by His All-Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch. Those given this great distinction are referred to as “Archons of the Great Church of Christ.� The following is a listing of those men of our Diocese who have received this prestigious honor: John J. Bilanin + William Boykas + Alex R. Breno Daniel Breno Emil Bzdil Dal Cosgrove + Louis Dolhy + + Representative Eustace Fredrick + David Gdovin John Gidicsin Gary Grysiak John Halecky, Jr. John Halecky III Stephen Hall John C. Hrapchak William M. Korchak John Kost Michael Kundrat Attorney Steven Laduzinsky

Stephen Lukac Louis Mihalko III Attorney Orestes Mihaly Daniel Mucisko + William J. Oldham + + Joseph Parimucha + Stephen Petrick Attorney Michael Ristvey + Michael Serko + Robert Serko + George Smisko + Michael Smisko Ray Speicher Wesley Stinich William George Sutzko Ernest Tidick George Tita Michael J. Wesko Nicholas Yakubik

+ designates Archons departed this life + 2020

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My Relationship with Saint Nektarios By: Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa

A

t the end of 1997 I was finishing up my three years as the President of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte, NC. This parish community had approximately 1250 families on its membership rolls.

The Sunday School had over 500 students (nursery to 12th grade), on any given Sunday, 400 or more showed up for class.

We had reached maximum capacity for religious services and ministry programming as a parish. The time had come to develop the second Greek Orthodox Church in the Charlotte area.

On February 11, 1998 Fr. Nicholas Triantafilou, the Dean of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, invited me to attend a meeting that evening with seven families who were interested in forming another parish

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church. Seeing the enthusiasm and excitement of those family members during the meeting that evening, I became the eighth family ready to take on the challenge of organizing a new community provided that His Grace Bishop Alexios of Atlanta blessed the effort. The next day Bishop Alexios give us the go ahead with his wholehearted blessing. In the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America parishes are formed once and only if at least 50 families agreed to join the parish and financially support it with their stewardship contributions. From the moment of the Bishop’s blessing to begin, much work had to be done to see the project to fruition. A meeting was called and held on February 24 to see how many other families might be interested in signing the peti-

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My Relationship with Saint Nektarios tion to the Bishop for his approval of a second parish. In the end, 67 families made the commitment and signed the petition. On May 7 Bishop Alexios sent a letter with his instructions on how to proceed. An Organizational Committee was formed with four Ministry Teams (each with two co-chairs): 1) Planning, 2) Stewardship/Fundraising, 3) Real Estate/ Temporary Worship Site, and 4) Membership. I was appointed to the Planning Ministry Team.

Throughout the spring and summer of 1998, several meetings were held with the Organizational Committee and the families who signed the petition. On August 27, the Organizational Committee met with Bishop Alexios and presented its work effort – a 4 inch thick notebook holding all the documentation requested in his directive from earlier in the year.

At the conclusion of the meeting His Grace granted us the charter of a new parish known for the time being as “Southeast Charlotte Greek Orthodox Parish”. The Organizational Committee now became the Interim Parish Council.

nounced that the new parish would have as its patron saint and therefore carry the name of St. Nektarios of Aegina. And so this is where my relationship with St. Nektarios began. I found everything I could about the saint in both the Greek and English languages and began to build a small library of materials. In addition I purchased my first icon of this new saint in my life.

On December 3, 2000 the parish held its first election of eight Parish Council members. On January 8, 2001 the members of the Parish Council elected me as the first President of the St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church of Charlotte, NC. It was a very exciting time for the parish as the purchased property was cleared and construction began on the St. Nektarios Spiritual Life Center. On April 14, 2002 the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the new building with over 350 people attending. Later in the year on the weekend of October 18 – 20, the Thyranoixia (Door Opening Service) was held for the Spiritual Life Center. In conjunction, His Grace Bishop Alexios had arranged with His Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim of Hydra, Spetsis and Aegina of Greece to bring relics of St. Nektarios to Charlotte for permanent placement. It was a huge honor for me personally as President and for the community at large to receive the holy relics of our patron saint. With it also came a huge responsibility to properly house, maintain, preserve, and protect these holy things. As a side note, the reliquary containing the relics of the saint was provided by my family, another connection to St. Nektarios (pictured on the following page).

Shortly thereafter the new community miraculously found and purchased a 10 acre property that would be their future home. For three and a half years they met in a school “cafetorium” (cafeteria/ auditorium) setting up for services and breaking down everything following services. At this point it was time to begin seriously thinking about the parish’s name. Several names of saints were considered including St. Luke and St. George. One individual, in fact the oldest member of the congregation, suggested St. Nektarios, a saint of the 20th Century. His Grace Bishop Alexios came to meet with In Charlotte, there was a man named Mr. the Interim Parish Council one evening in Nick Kefalas who was related to the saint. late 1998. During the meeting he an- His grandfather was the brother of St. 2020

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Nektarios. Mr. Kefalas had two sons.

One of the sons had a baby born just prior to the arrival of the relics to Charlotte.

During the procession of the relics, just as Metropolitan Ephraim carrying the relics was passing the Kefalas family in the crowd, the young child cried out loudly.

It was the only time it cried out during the whole procession as if to acknowledge the arrival of the saint. That crying out left an impression on me that lasts to this day.

Now that the relics of St. Nektarios had arrived, the community continued to grow. Many visitors from across the nation came to venerate the relics. A small group of men including myself, came up with the idea of a small relics kit that contained a vial of Holy Oil from the vigil lamp of the relics, a vial of Holy Water, two cotton balls to anoint with, an icon of St. Nektarios, and a short write up of the

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saint’s life. The small kit was something that people could take home with them from their pilgrimage to the shrine. Many people would mail the parish and ask for one of the kits. Hundreds, if not thousands, have been mailed over the last twenty years (pictured on the following page).

In 2006, after graduating from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, I travelled to various places including Mount Athos, Constantinople, Thessaloniki, Athens and the island of Aegina with several of my classmates from seminary.

During the visit to Aegina, we saw the monastery that St. Nektarios had established in the early part of the 20th Century, his tomb, and the large church dedicated to him. While at his tomb, I experienced something amazing. It is said that if you place your ear on the tomb of St. Nektari-

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My Relationship with Saint Nektarios os you can hear a knocking sound. I was somewhat skeptical, but approached the tomb. Even though there was quite a bit of noise in the small chapel containing his tomb, I did indeed hear the knocking sound. I was stunned. In the chapel were also his relics with one of his hierarchical crowns on top of them. There was a fragrance there that is identical to the fragrance I would encounter again for the first time in the summer of 2012 at St. George Orthodox Church in Taylor, PA. - the fragrance of the Myrrh-Streaming Kardiotissa icon. There is a true connection between St. Nektarios and the Mother of God. He of course has composed numerous hymns to her with hundreds of verses. Before leaving I received some oil from the vigil lamp that I still have in my possession.

true.

Every week during summer camp at Camp Nazareth, a Moleben to St. Nektarios is offered at the outdoor shrine dedicated to him. Following the service all the campers and counselors venerate the large icon of the saint located in the shrine and are anointed with Holy Oil. All of our young people enjoy the service and are connected with this great saint of the Church.

During the weekend of October 20 - 21, 2018 the parish of St. Nektarios celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a festive gala on Saturday evening and a beautiful Divine Liturgy on Sunday. I was fortunate enough to join His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and the parish family in celebrating this joyous event. The community continues to grow and has In 2010, while I was serving as the Ieronow reached over 700 families on its kyrix/Exomologos (Itinerant Preacher/ membership rolls.

Confessor) of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, I was fortunately Now as the Hierarch of the American enough to return to Charlotte for the Con- Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, I secration of the new St. Nektarios Church visit my family and friends in Charlotte that had been built in the style of the every year at Christmas time. In alternatGreat Church of Agia Sophia in Constan- ing fashion I serve Christmas Eve and tinople. His Eminence Metropolitan Alex- Christmas Day services at Holy Trinity ios along with His Eminence Metropolitan Greek Orthodox Cathedral and St. Ephraim from Greece (who had returned Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church yearas he had promised back in 2002 – ly. The church dedicated to St. Nektarios “When you build the Church I will re- and which houses his relics and whose turn”) served the Consecration Service 100th Anniversary of his falling asleep in and first Divine Liturgy of the new church. the Lord we commemorate this year of It was a wonderful event in the life of the 2020, will always hold a special place in St. Nektarios parish. Over 25 priests were my heart. I am thankful to Almighty God in attendance from throughout the Me- for introducing me to this wonderful saint tropolis of Atlanta, even a few from of the 20th Century.

Greece. My brother priests and I assisted O, Holy Father Nektarios pray for us! the two Hierarchs during the beautiful service. For me personally, it was unbelievable that our dreams back at the end of 1997 of a new church had finally come 2020

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My Relationship with Saint Nectarios

The Shrine dedicated to Saint Nectarios at the Church which bears his patronage in Charlotte, North Carolina which Metropolitan Gregory assisted in starting as a layman nearly thirty years ago.

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Scenes from Camp Nazareth

Metropolitan Gregory blesses an icon of one of his heavenly patrons, Saint Gregory of Nyssa which now adorns a wall in the Saints Cyril and Methodios Church at Camp Nazareth. The icon was gifted by the membership of the National Junior A.C.R.Y. on the occasion of his fifth anniversary of Consecration as a Bishop.

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Scenes from Camp Nazareth

Sunday of the First Diocesan Camping Week

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Scenes from Camp Nazareth Monday of the First Diocesan Camping Week

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Scenes from Camp Nazareth Sunday of the Second Diocesan Camping Week

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Scenes from Camp Nazareth

These young ladies are excited to see what adventure lays ahead of them at the start of Science and Nature week at Camp Nazareth!

Things got off to a fast start with a hike down This egg survived its parachute dive to the river on the first night. from the veranda.

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Scenes from Camp Nazareth

A group shot of all the campers and staff following the Divine Liturgy of the Feast of the Transfiguration during Science and Nature Camp.

All the participants enjoyed Science and Nature Camp and look forward to more exploring of the camp next year.

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From Bitterness to Sweetness with Saint Nectarios By: Reverend Nicholas Mihaly

I

first learned about St. Nectarios when I was five years old. My dad, Fr. Luke Mihaly, went with then Bishop Nicholas to the island of Aegina and venerated St. Nectarios’ relics. My earliest memory of St. Nectarios was of my dad melting beeswax and mixing it with oil he had brought back from his tomb. I sat for a while as my dad was hunched over an icon he had brought back from Aegina. It was a simple, but beautiful icon—a bust of St. Nectarios in his simple monastic veil and cassock—and to this day it remains my favorite icon of him (it currently hangs in my home parish of Holy Trinity in Danbury, CT and my dad still puts it out for veneration when he serves Molebens to St. Nectarios). He took his wax-oil mixture and put it on the bottom of the icon and covered it over with some protective plastic and then attached a small frame around the relic.

“Dad, who’s that an icon of?”

“This is St. Nectarios.”

“Who is he?”

“He was a holy man who performed a lot of miracles.”

“What’s that you’re doing with the bottom?"

“I’m taking some of this holy oil that came from his tomb and I’m putting it 168

on this icon so that people can kiss it and be blessed by it.”

I thought it was the coolest thing ever—I had never seen something that came from a Saint’s tomb before. I can’t say what it was, but for some reason I absolutely fell in love with the icon and the man on it. This simple icon and the oil from his tomb was my first introduction to St. Nectarios, a saint who would end up becoming an intercessor for me and my family.

When I was old enough to go to the Altar Boy Retreat a few years later, I attended my first Moleben to St. Nectarios. One of the priests, I believe it was Fr. Ron Kovacs, gave a short sermon on the life of St. Nectarios and talked about the many miraculous healings attributed to him and the oil from his tomb. I was most impressed by the fact that he was a modern day saint. For so many of us, saints were people who lived centuries ago, but here was a man who didn’t live a long time ago; there were people alive who had known him; there were pictures of him! And not only that, but miracles were happening. My admiration for him only grew. I remember waiting in line, hoping and praying for my own miracle from St. Nectarios.

While I did not have a miraculous physical healing, I could feel some-

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From Bitterness to Sweetness with Saint Nectarios

thing change in me when I was anointed with the oil.

That first Moleben to St. Nectarios from my first Altar Boy Retreat was certainly not my last. It was also served by my father back at home in Danbury during Lent and whenever he felt the need to pray for healing. It also quickly became one of the favorite services at Camp Nazareth. Each time that it was served, one of the priests would again give a brief overview of the life of St. Nectarios and then end with some of the many miracles attributed to him. Sometimes, they even told stories of miracles they witnessed themselves. Each time, I would sit there, blown away by each story, soaking up as much as I could about this great saint.

There was one Moleben that was served at Camp Nazareth which sticks out in my mind. I was somewhere around 13 or 14, and Metropolitan Nicholas was at the camp visiting with us. That evening, we served the Moleben to St. Nectarios as usual, but instead of one of the priests talking, the Metropolitan gave a sermon. He told us a little bit about St. Nectarios’ life and then talked about his many trips to Aegina and his visits to the convent and the shrine on the island.

He also told us that the Moleben to St. Nectarios that we served that evening was first served by him, Metropolitan Nicholas, on the island of Aegina.

And not only was it the first time the Moleben to St. Nectarios was served, but it was also the first service ever 2020

served in the new church that was built in St. Nectarios’ honor. What an incredible honor for our Metropolitan and what an awesome connection for our Diocese to have. As a young teenager, to know that the music and prayers that we just sang were the same ones that were sung at St. Nectarios’ tomb was absolutely mind-blowing. It was just one more thing that made me love and admire St. Nectarios even more.

I began seminary in January of 2013 and my relationship with St. Nectarios grew. There’s a small hallway outside

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From Bitterness to Sweetness with Saint Nectarios of the classroom with a shrine to St. Nectarios. There’s a small sandbox and some beeswax candles over which hangs a large icon of St. Nectarios. To the right of the icon are two small pictures of St. Nectarios; one of him in his episcopal vestments and one of him in his casket. In both of his pictures, there is a glow around his face.

Every time I’d walk into class, I’d stop and say a quick prayer and ask St. Nectarios for his intercessions. I spent many long hours at the seminary’s St. Nectarios shrine asking for his healing for many friends and family members.

I eventually found a book on his life in the seminary library. I took it home one day and read it. There was way more to his story than what I had been told by the priests during their short sermons. Yes, St. Nectarios was a bishop; yes, he was a humble monk; yes, he performed many miracles. But what the priests and Metropolitan Nicholas never told us kids at the Altar Boy Retreat or Camp Nazareth was that St. Nectarios was hated and despised by his peers. He was slandered by his own flock, despised, ignored and left in the cold. But that didn’t stop him from living his faith in Jesus Christ. He continued and persevered, living a simple life of humility preaching the Gospel and founding a convent on the island of Aegina. Here was a true warrior of Christ. Someone who, despite all of the setbacks of the demons and those bound up with pride, continued his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was not a saint just 170

for the Greeks, but a saint for all people. Here was a true saint and role model.

I was ordained a priest on January 10, 2016 and assigned to Christ the Saviour American Orthodox Church in North Royalton, OH on March 1, 2016. At the time, I was excited and full of zeal to begin my ministry.

Christ the Saviour was a small parish.

Their numbers had dwindled over the last decade or so as the health of their former priest, Fr. Michael Conrad, slowly waned. When Fr. Conrad passed away, a deacon was assigned to care for the spiritual health of the parish. When I arrived, there were about 20 people that sporadically attended Sunday Divine Liturgies. They made their money not from donations, not from bake sales, but from bingo. Bingo was played every Saturday and Sunday night and was staffed not by parishioners, but by outside help. It was certainly a unique situation.

My first month and a half in the parish was Lent. I spent most of the time trying to cleanup the priest’s office in the church and getting the rectory in order. Both the church and the rectory were in rough shape and needed a lot of work. The church was filled with old appliances, carpets and garbage and both the church and rectory were in need of some serious repair. At the same time, there were other issues in the church that needed to be addressed. The parish was focused on bingo, rather than Jesus Christ.

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From Bitterness to Sweetness with Saint Nectarios On top of all of this, we found out that Pani Stacey was pregnant with our second child. We were overjoyed! Even though things at the church weren’t going well, we were happy that we were going to be having another baby.

One of my professors in seminary had said that often times, a new baby would bring a parish together. I was hopeful that this would be something which could bring the parish together and help bond them and us closer.

We had told all of our family and friends and the parish that we were expecting and we got the usual congratulations and smiles.

We had scheduled the ultrasound to find out the sex of our new baby on June 9, our son Cyril’s second birthday and the Feast of the Ascension.

Pani, for some reason, was nervous.

She couldn’t place her finger on it, but she was nervous. I, though, was excited. Pani Stacey and I went into the ultrasound room with Cyril and the technician squirted the jelly on her stomach and began the ultrasound.

The tech worked with emotionlessness. She shut off the machine and excused herself to find the doctor.

Pani began to panic, I was starting to worry, myself. The doctor came in and turned on the ultrasound again.

Looking at the ultrasound on the screen, he simply said, “I’m sorry, but this is a loss.”

A loss? What was he talking about?

My brain began to race as the realization hit me—my child was dead. I looked at my wife and she was just 2020

stunned. I held her hand as tears ran down our cheeks. We got in the car and drove to the church. We were crying, we were sad, we were angry, we were confused, but we knew we needed to go to the church. We got to the church and cried some more and I served a panachida for our baby.

That Sunday, Pani stayed home and I served Liturgy and shared with the parish what had happened. They were shocked and they shared their condolences with me. But a week later, they acted as if nothing had happened.

I spent a few days at Camp Nazareth during our deanery week and Fr. Mark Leasure brought the Kardiotissa icon for the children to venerate. Before the veneration, he told numerous stories about miracles associated with the Kardiotissa. One of the stories he told was about the smell of the myrrh.

Fr. Mark noted that each miraculous icon has it’s own unique scent—the Hawaiian icon has a different smell than the Kardiotissa. “But,” Fr. Mark said, “the Kardiotissa shares a smell with the relics of St. Nectarios!” A few months later, I was at the Sobor in Johnstown and Fr. Mark again brought the Kardiotissa. We served a Moleben to the Mother of God on Monday evening and I was sitting in the Cathedral, in the presence of the Mother of God, bawling my eyes out.

I was still struggling with the loss of our child and I was still seeking strength and guidance regarding the issues with the parish. Suddenly, it seemed as if time slowed down. I nev-

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From Bitterness to Sweetness with Saint Nectarios er saw anything, but I could distinctly hear a voice telling me to calm down because everything would be OK and that we would have another baby. I dried my tears and went to the hotel room.

face the severity and reality of the situation and left the meeting.

At this point, I had been ordained a priest for a year and 12 days and assigned to the parish of Christ the Saviour for 10 months and 22 days. In Time went on, and Pani Stacey and I that short time I had experienced were coping with the miscarriage of more than many others would their our baby. Things at the church only entire priesthood. got worse, not better. The parish The next Sunday, there were even less community, church building and the people there than usual. I served the rectory were literally falling apart.

Liturgy anyway and prayed for the Things were not easy. But we placed parish community as I always had. In our hope in God and I called Bishop an effort to heal and bring the parish Gregory almost once a week. community together, I had received Things really started to unravel in De- permission from Bishop Gregory durcember. I went away for a weekend to ing his visit for the Kardiotissa to baptize my cousin. While I was gone, come to North Royalton.

I was subjected to personal attacks, I called Fr. Mark immediately after name calling and lies from unknown Bishop Gregory left and told him that sources. It was at this point that BishI received his blessing for the icon to op Gregory scheduled a visit to the come. He told me that he wouldn’t be parish. able to get to Ohio until after the sumBishop Gregory came to visit the mer. Of course, I completely underNorth Royalton parish on January 21- stood and expected this. I thanked Fr. January 22, 2017. He served vespers Mark and hung up the phone. Two on Saturday evening and then the Di- days later, my phone rang—it was Fr. vine Liturgy was celebrated on Sunday Mark. morning. As usual, there were only “Fr. Nick! Glory to Jesus Christ! I about 12 people for the Sunday Liturhave an opening February 10. Anothgy, including my family and the deaer parish had to cancel. Want me to con. Following the Liturgy, His Grace come?” asked for the parish to meet in the hall for a discussion. A lot of things were I was stunned, honestly. “I feel like talked about—the history of the parish, she’s telling us she needs to be there,” clergy selection and assignment, the I told him. I finished my conversation condition of the parish, the building and thanked Fr. Mark and began to and stewardship. Many of those in prepare for his arrival and the visit attendance did not wish to hear or with the Kardiotissa.

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From Bitterness to Sweetness with Saint Nectarios On the evening of February 10, over 500 people came to Christ the Saviour in North Royalton to venerate the Kardiotissa icon and be in the presence of the Mother of God. People had filled a church built to hold 250 people; they were lined up, standing and squeezed in in every aisle; there were children seated all the way up to the tetrapod and even up to the solea; and there were still people lined up outside in the bitter February cold. I had never seen anything like it and the few parishioners that showed up had never before in their entire lives seen their church so filled. A beautiful service was served by the priests of the Cleveland area and Fr. Mark gave each one of them some cotton to take back with them. He left me with a giant piece from the icon and a piece for a priest who had to leave early.

After everyone had left the church, I locked up and went home. It was a beautiful evening. I went back to the church on Saturday morning to clean up and prepare for the Sunday Liturgy. The entire church grounds smelled of the beautiful, flowery scent of the Kardiotissa. It was overwhelming.

That evening, bingo was held in the church hall as usual. When I arrived at the church on Sunday morning, the smell of the Kardiotissa was gone. The church grounds didn’t smell, the inside of the church wasn’t fragrant, but the smell had concentrated itself at the altar. I kept my bag of cotton in front of the tabernacle on the altar; I noticed it filling up as I served the Litur2020

gy. By the end of the Liturgy, the cotton was literally floating in the little ziplock bag.

There were a number of people who did not come to visit the Karidiotissa for whatever reason. However, they were at Sunday's Divine Liturgy, as well as those who had walked out during the Bishop’s meeting and who hadn’t attended Liturgy the week after.

I took the cotton at the end of Liturgy and squeezed it in front of them over icon cards that Fr. Mark had left. The parishioners in attendance let out an audible gasp.

“See how much she loves you,” I said.

I anointed everyone in attendance with the myrrh from the icon. I noticed a palpable difference in their demeanor. For the first time in nearly a year, the parish community seemed to come together as a parish for the purpose of praying and celebrating the Divine Liturgy. In speaking with Pani afterwards, we both commented that maybe THIS was a sign that things would be turning around. Coffee hour ended, and everyone went home, and bingo was played again Sunday evening.

As the days and weeks passed, I noticed that the cotton that Fr. Mark left for me slowly began to dry up after it had been so saturated that Sunday at Liturgy, while the cotton he left for the other priest remained soaked until I gave it to him in August.

Two Sundays after the visit of the Kardiotissa, Pani Stacey and I went to Lit-

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From Bitterness to Sweetness with Saint Nectarios urgy with a little more exuberance than in the past because we were thinking that things were starting to get better. Instead, we got smacked by the bitter reality that the people were too focused on the money from the bingo rather than Jesus Christ and were unable to move forward.

After Bright Week, I spoke with Bishop Gregory about the state of the parish and relayed to him that things had not improved—people were unwilling to work, giving was down, the buildings were still in massive disrepair.

The parish seemed to be solely focused on bingo.

About a month later, we found out that Pani Stacey was pregnant again.

This time, we were excited, but we were cautious; we didn’t tell anyone that she was pregnant again. We had been in North Royalton for a year, and I had been told by the Bishop that if things weren’t looking better by Pascha, that I’d be transferred somewhere else. Sadly, though, we suffered another miscarriage about 10 weeks into this pregnancy; it was another devastating blow.

That summer, Pani Stacey, Cyril and I did everything we could in Cleveland— we went to Indians games, rode the train, and went to the tourist sites. I received a call from Bishop Gregory on August 18 letting me know that I would be transferred to St. Nicholas in Erie, PA. I officially started my new assignment on September 1, but since I only had two weeks notice and the parishes were only 2 hours from each other, I was allowed to live in the North Royalton rectory until I was able to secure a moving truck.

The rest of that Lent was spent in quiet retrospection. Where did I make mistakes? What could I have done better? Why was I here? Why had these things happened to me? What happened to this parish and these people that they were so broken and unwilling to accept the Light of Christ’s Truth? Was it me who was actually the broken one?

Pascha came and went. For me, as a priest, it was as joyous as usual, but I detected a somber feeling among many of the parishioners. In all of my 30 years, I had never seen people scowl when they heard the words “Christ is Risen!” but there’s a first time for everything.

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The next two weeks were spent in anxious anticipation. We did not know what to expect in Erie and we did not know how the people in North Royalton would react when I announced my transfer to them. I was allowed to tell them of my transfer on August 27, my last Sunday there. I ended Liturgy and told them all that I would be getting transferred but that I would always remember them as my first parish. I promised to keep them in my prayers, and I always have, and I reminded them of my love. People began to tear up, which surprised me because of all the problems I had had.

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From Bitterness to Sweetness with Saint Nectarios The coffee hour downstairs was quieter than usual. One woman even came up to me said, “It was nothing personal, Father.”

“I know,” I replied, “I did the best I could.” Before we left to go back to the rectory and finish packing, Pani, Cyril and I, stood in the church and cried. It was a therapeutic cry, a cry of relief, a cry of sadness, a cry of hope.

We were welcomed to St. Nicholas in Erie, PA a week later with open arms!

A delicious welcome brunch was prepared for us, our names were on the marquis welcoming us to the parish and the people were so kind and welcoming. It was a joyous day for all of us. I finally felt at home at an altar that wasn’t in Connecticut.

I met with the parish board shortly after our arrival and shared with them my hope of serving monthly Molebens to St. Nectarios. The board was fully accepting of the idea. Thus, it was decided that the first Wednesday of every month we would serve a Moleben to St. Nectarios.

Pani Stacey and I found out two weeks after our move that she was pregnant.

This time, we were both really anxious and cautious. After two miscarriages, we didn’t know what to expect. We passed the 10 week milestone of the second miscarriage; some fears were allayed. But as the 20 week ultrasound approached at the beginning of December, anxiety and worry began to creep in. We hadn’t told anyone, except the doctor, that we were expect2020

ing because we didn’t want to have to go through the pain again of telling people we lost the baby like the first time, so we didn’t have anyone to talk to except ourselves. The last week before the ultrasound felt like months and the tension could’ve been cut with a knife. But finally, on Wednesday, December 6 we went for the ultrasound. Everything was perfect. It was another boy and he was as healthy as could be! Tears of relief and joy ran down both of our faces. We returned home and went to the church to serve the monthly Moleben to St. Nectarios.

On January 2, I received a phone call advising me that unknown individuals were once again making personal attacks and spreading lies about me. I couldn’t believe my ears! I thought I had gotten away from all of these troubles, but they followed me to my new home! I spoke to Bishop Gregory and was told that a candle was lit in front of St. Nectarios for me. “Prayers to a Saint who was slandered by his people.”

Fuming, I went and read the life of St. Nectarios again. I read of the time he was slandered in front of the Patriarch of Alexandria which led to his suspension as Metropolitan of Pentapolis. I read of his return to Greece after his suspension and of the slanderous letters that followed him there and the gossip that was spread among those in power in Greece. I read how people called St. Nectarios greedy, unethical, immoral and power hungry. But then I read how he dealt with it; how he

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From Bitterness to Sweetness with Saint Nectarios took it in stride; how he remained humble; how he continued to pray; and how he continued to do the work God had given him to do. I was reminded of why I loved St. Nectarios so much growing up— he was a simple, pious man of God. Looking back, St. Nectarios was always there with us, interceding for us.

Whether it was with pregnancy or parish life, it was his prayers that got us through the tough times at the beginning of my priesthood. As many in our Diocese know, St. Nectarios is a healer. The coincidence of the monthly Moleben to him falling on the same day as Pani’s ultrasound was not lost on us. We also found out later that he was canonized the same day as the baby’s birthday. These were signs that God was watching over us and that St. Nectarios was interceding for us. The similarity of the scent between his relics and the Kardiotissa is even further proof to me that he’s interceding for us, and for this Diocese. His life, that I read multiple times throughout my own life, was an inspiration for me when the times were difficult; when the slander was at its worst. Today, the personal legal issues have been taken care of and I am fully enjoying my placement at St. Nicholas in Erie, but I still remember those parishioners in North Royalton in my prayers just as I promised them I would.

the desert for three days without any water. They finally came to a pool of water, called Marah, which means bitter. But they couldn’t drink the water because it was bitter. Some scholars think it was most likely a sulfur spring, but at any rate, the water was undrinkable. The people began to protest and rebel against Moses and God, “What have you done? You brought us to the desert to die! At least in Egypt we had water!” God showed Moses a tree and Moses threw the tree into the water.

The water immediately became sweet and drinkable (Exodus 15:22-27). The Fathers of the Church tell us that the tree is a prefigurement, or a type, of the Cross of Christ. When we unite our struggles to the Cross of Christ, what is bitter becomes sweet. In Greek, Nectarios literally means He Who is Nectar, or Sweet Man. Miscarriage after miscarriage, slanderous word after slanderous word, bitter drink after bitter drink, we united our sufferings to the Cross of Christ and tasted the sweetness, just like St. Nectarios.

Nectarios Moses Mihaly, our own sweet man, was born on April 20, 2018 in Erie, PA. A testament to the healing powers of the Triune God at work through his humble, pious servant, St. Nectarios.

We all know the story of the Exodus of the Hebrew people, led by Moses, out of Egypt. After the crossing of the Red Sea, the people wandered about 176

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Parish Highlights from across the Diocese

Altar Server Josh Machik oversees the distribution of Palms and Pussy-Willows on Palm Sunday at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Faithful from Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, New Jersey assist with the Diocesan Hurricane Relief Project by putting together Hygiene Kits.

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Parish Highlights

Families from St. Nicholas Church in Erie, Pennsylvania gathered together to pick peaches at a local orchard in anticipation of the Feast of the Transfiguration.

Clergy of the New York-New Jersey Deaneries gathered together for one of their Lenten Missions at Holy Ghost Church in Manville, New Jersey. They are shown kneeling in a front a relic of the Precious Cross of Christ during a Moleben.

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Parish Highlights

Some of the youngest members of St. Nicholas Church in Scranton, Pennsylvania stop for a picture during the farewell dinner in honor Fr. Daniel Vaskalis ahead of his transfer from their community.

Fr. Ken Ellis of Holy Ghost Church in Manville, New Jersey blesses an engolpion in the waters of the Jordan River that Karis Kechula purchased as a gift for Metropolitan Gregory while on pilgrimage in the Holy Land.

Junior A.C.R.Y. members from St. John the Baptist Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey quickly responded to the call of Metropolitan Gregory and put together Hygiene Kits for the benefit of the I.O.C.C. Hurricane Dorian Relief.

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Parish Highlights

St. Nicholas Mission in Murphy, North Carolina excitedly celebrated their 10th Anniversary of ministry. Faithful are shown with their Priest, Fr. James Blomeley.

Lynn Kelley and Roxanne Miloro pull the winning ticket during the Annual Trivia Night hosted by Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Faithful from St. Nicholas Church in New York (Tenth Street), New York travelled to Camp Nazareth for a parish family weekend retreat.

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Parish Highlights

Young people at St. Thomas Church in Waldorf, Maryland patiently wait their turn visiting with Saint Nicholas when he visits their community.

Youth from Descent of the Holy Spirit Church in Schererville, Indiana prayerfully participate in the Procession with the Burial Shroud on Great and Holy Friday.

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Parish Highlights

The winners of the Chili Cook-off at St. Nicholas Church in Monongahela, Pennsylvania are shown together with their Pastor, Fr. Ed Pehanich.

Junior A.C.R.Y. members from St. John the Baptist Church in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania together with their parents collected and delivered items to the Carbon County Animal Shelter.

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Parish Highlights

Faithful from Holy Ghost Church in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania got together for a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia.

Young people from St. John the Baptist Church in Rahway, New Jersey assisted with the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. They were treated to a pancake breakfast on their day off from school.

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Parish Highlights

Young people and educators of Holy Ghost Church in Manville, New Jersey are blessed by their Parish Priest, Fr. Ken Ellis as they begin a new school year.

Professor Joseph Yaeger was honored by the faithful of St. John the Baptist Church in Hermitage, Pennsylvania as he celebrated fifty years of musical ministry to God as the Parish Cantor. He is shown with Parish Clergy (left to right) Deacon John Anderson, Fr. Michael Polanichka, and Parish Priest Fr. David Mastroberte.

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Parish Highlights

Sunday School Students from St. John the Baptist Church in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania were baking cookies for the shut-ins of their community.

Fr. Ed Pehanich is shown blessing the beautiful new icon of Our Lady of the Sign which is in the apse above the Altar of St. Nicholas Church in Monongahela, Pennsylvania.

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Parish Highlights

Parish Scouts were recognized on Scout Sunday at Holy Resurrection Church in Potomac, Maryland. They are pictured with Parish Priest Fr. Peter Zarynow and Fr. John Fedornock.

Faithful from St. Nicholas Church in New York (Tenth Street), New York carry on the pious tradition of holding candles during the 12 Passion Gospels on Holy Thursday.

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Parish Highlights

Many hands came out to help for the Annual Basket Raffle at St. John the Baptist Church in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania.

(on the left) Helen Angle and Mark Griff were honored as the Longest GodParent/God-Child Relationship and (on the right) Jacqueline Maddox and Nathaniel Yanoso were honored as the Shortest God-Parent/God-Child Relationship present together at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, New Jersey for their Inaugural God-Parents Sunday. The faithful were able to renew their Baptismal Vows and receive the Holy Eucharist together with their God-parents.

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Parish Highlights

These young ladies led the chanting as the faithful approached the Burial Shroud on Great and Holy Friday at St. Michael Church in Niles, Illinois.

Young people from Christ the Saviour Church in Rockford, Illinois gather together at a local coffee shop for their first book club meeting.

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Parish Highlights

Children from St. John the Baptist Church in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania prepare for their Annual Egg Hunt and St. Thomas Breakfast

Faithful of St. George Church in Taylor, Pennsylvania gather together in anticipation of the Feast of Theophany with a traditional Holy Night Supper.

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Parish Highlights

Sunday School Students and Teachers are shown following their reception of a blessing at the start of the new school year at St. John the Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Helping hands from Saints Peter and Paul Church in Windber, Pennsylvania are shown volunteering together at Saturday’s Kitchen in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

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Parish Highlights

The young people of St. Nectarios Mission in Lakeland, Florida pose for a photo with Metropolitan Gregory during his Pastoral Visit to their community.

Youth from Holy Resurrection Church in Potomac, Maryland greet Metropolitan Gregory with roses at the banquet of the National A.C.R.Y. Bowling Tournament hosted by their parish.

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Parish Highlights

Young people from St. John the Baptist Church in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania greet Metropolitan Gregory with roses during the 100th Anniversary Banquet of their Church.

Faithful workers from St. Michael Church in Freeland, Pennsylvania take a break for a photo during their Annual Spring Festival.

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Parish Highlights

Altar Servers pose together with Parish Priest, Fr. Michael Kabel following Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Nativity at St. Nicholas Church in Barton, Ohio.

Workers were all smiles during the Annual Christmas Fair at St. John the Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

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Parish Highlights

Faithful from Christ the Saviour Church in Rockford, Illinois gather together to discuss theology over wings at a local eatery.

Sunday School students from Nativity of our Lord Mission in Manassas, Virginia are shown with their Parish Priest Fr. Daniel Vaskalis following a blessing ahead of the new school year.

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Parish Highlights

Young people from St. Michael Church in Niles, Illinois are shown together with St. Nicholas who surprised them with a visit.

Youth of St. Nicholas Church in Monongahela, Pennsylvania put on a beautiful performance as part of their parish’s Patronal Feast Day Celebration.

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Parish Highlights

Brand new white Paschal Sticharions were blessed by Fr. William Bennett at St. Nicholas Church in New York (Tenth Street), New York just ahead of the season on Palm Sunday.

Sunday School Students at St. John the Baptist Church in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania started off their school year with a fun and educational game of bingo.

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Parish Highlights

Fathers Luke Mihaly and Michael Zak are pictured together in Kosice, Slovakia with the faithful of Holy Trinity Church in Danbury, Connecticut while on a pilgrimage to Slovakia.

Faithful from St. Michael Church in Niles, Illinois joyfully participated in the Annual Fun Run/Walk for the benefit of the I.O.C.C. in Chicago, Illinois.

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Parish Highlights

The Bzdil and Young families of St. Michael Church in Freeland, Pennsylvania pause before enjoying their newly blessed Paschal foods.

The youth of Holy Ghost Church in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania put on a fantastic show for their Annual St. Nicholas Pageant.

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Parish Highlights

Faithful of all ages bear witness to the work of the Holy Spirit in the Consecration of St. Alexis Church in Battleground, Indiana.

The faithful of St. Nicholas Church in Barton, Ohio were privileged with a visit from Bishop Milan Lach of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma. Bishop Milan is from the village of Osturna, Slovakia (the home village of Metropolitan Orestes Chornock). St. Nicholas Church was built as a replica of the St. Michael Church in Osturna.

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Parish Highlights

Delicious Paschal Baskets are blessed by Fathers David Cochran and Stephen Fr. Ed Pehanich at St. Nicholas Church Loposky greet Metropolitan Gregory at the throne prior to the beginning of in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. the Divine Liturgy during his Pastoral Visit to St. John the Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

John Stagon, Jr. was honored with the French Legion of Honor Award for his Parish Scouts are shown on Scout service during World War II. He is shown Sunday at St. Nicholas Church in with his Parish Priest Fr. Joseph Fester.

Homestead, Pennsylvania.

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Parish Highlights

Everyone lends a helping hand at the International Food Festival held each year at Nativity of our Lord Mission in Manassas, Virginia.

Susie Bzdil and Pani Linda Barriger sell chances for the Tricky Tray at the annual Fall Festival at St. Michael Church in Freeland, Pennsylvania.

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Parish Highlights

Young adults from Holy Ghost Church in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania enjoyed an evening testing their courage at a local zipline course.

Fr. William Bennett displays the service of the Proskomedi (the Eucharist Preparation Service) for parish youth and faithful at St. Nicholas Church in New York (Tenth Street), New York.

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Parish Highlights

Youth from St. John the Baptist Church in Pittsburgh (Northside), Pennsylvania are shown with their Parish Priest following Divine Liturgy on St. Nicholas Day.

John Stagon, Jr. was presented with a Hramota in recognition for his many years of service to St. John the Baptist Church in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by Metropolitan Gregory.

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Parish Highlights

Joe Kost and William Gower take a quick break for a photo as they work alongside one another at St. Michael Church in Freeland, Pennsylvania.

Steven Martyak and Fr. Frank Miloro beg the question, “Who has the winning ticket?� at the Annual Trivia Night hosted by Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

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Parish Highlights

Irina Mudry and her son Yaroslav with help from the faithful of St. John the Baptist Church in Rahway, New Jersey organized a collection during the Nativity Fast of health supplies for the Ladyzhin Home for Children with Special Needs.

St. Mary World Food Festival workers representing Ethiopia and Romania are pictured above during St. Mary Church’s annual event in Bluefield, West Virginia.

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Parish Highlights

Young ladies from St. Michael Young people are shown cleaning the Church in Freeland, Pennsylvania church at St. John the Baptist Church in run the bake table.

Rahway, New Jersey ahead of Pascha.

These ladies are at work on beautiful pysanky eggs during a workshop held ahead of Pascha at St. George Church in Taylor, Pennsylvania.

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Parish Highlights

Sunday School Students and Teachers are shown following their St. Nicholas Day Presentation they shared with the faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, New Jersey.

Faithful from St. Michael Church in Niles, Illinois pose excitedly with red eggs as they begin the celebration of Pascha with their newly blessed baskets.

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Parish Highlights

Faithful from St. Nicholas Church in Erie, Pennsylvania gather in fellowship together during their Annual Parish Picnic held at their beautiful grove grounds.

You can feel the excitement as Fr. Joseph Edgington says “Go!� to begin the Annual Egg Hunt at St. Thomas Church in Waldorf, Maryland.

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Parish Highlights

Veterans of the Armed Forces were honored by their community of St. John the Baptist Church in Hermitage, Pennsylvania on Veterans Day.

Fathers Michael Chendorain and William Bennett bless Paschal Foods together with students from Rutgers University Orthodox Christian Fellowship.

Young people from St. Michael Church in Niles, Illinois greet Metropolitan Gregory with roses during his Pastoral Visit to their community.

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Parish Highlights

Fr. Michael Foster (right) and Sub-deacon James Frazier offer a blessing at the start of the St. Mary World Food Festival held each year at St. Mary Church in Bluefield, West Virginia.

Clergy and faithful from St. John the Baptist Church in Rahway, New Jersey piously process to the banks of the Rahway River to bless it on the Feast of Theophany.

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Parish Highlights

Fr. Lawrence Barriger together with Altar Server Stephen Gower bless Paschal Baskets at St. Michael Church in Freeland, Pennsylvania.

Young people from St. Nicholas Church in Barton, Ohio are collecting financial offerings and canned goods as part of the Souper Bowl of Caring.

Children together with their parents enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at the pumpkin patch at Holy Ghost Church in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

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Chronology of Important Dates 863Saints Cyril and Methodios begin missionary work among the Slavs. They were sent by the Greek Church, Constantinople, and formed the Slavonic alphabet as well as translated the Gospel of Christ.

988Slavic people in and about Kiev received the Christian Faith from the Eastern Church. Leadership provided by Prince Vladimir. The Church of Kiev under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

1938- First Hierarchical Liturgy and formal installation of Bishop Orestes took place on Thanksgiving Day in St. John’s Church, Bridgeport, CT. Archbishop Athenagoras, later to become Patriarch, officiated.

1938- A Diocesan youth organization, called “The Sons and Daughters of the Eastern Church,” established. It was later named the “A.C.R.Y.—American Carpatho-Russian Youth.” A supplement magazine of the organization began publication, 1890Our people from the Carpathiwith Very Rev. Joseph Mihaly, Editor. an Mountain region of Europe begin immigrating to the United States and settling 1939- First National Convention of the in the coal-mining and industrial centers. A.C.R.Y. convened in Johnstown, PA, They soon organized Greek Catholic par- October 6-8, attracting young people from ishes to preserve their faith. parishes across the country. Church services, lectures, business and social events 1934- Dissension in the Greek Catholic were on the agenda.

Church in America as latinizations of the rites, customs and traditions of the East- 1940- The Diocesan Seminary opens at ern Church are promulgated. facilities of St. Nicholas Church, New York, NY. The seminary later relocated 1936- Greek Catholic priests gather in to Nicholson, PA, and Bridgeport, CT, Pittsburgh, PA to discuss troubles in the until its permanent home in Johnstown, Church and to propose the establishment PA. of a Diocese.

1946- The Diocese began publication 1937- First Diocesan Council held in of its own newspaper, The Church MesPittsburgh, at which clergy and lay delesenger. gates from parishes returned to the faith of their Forebears, and elected Fr. Orestes 1947- Following the end of World War P. Chornock as Bishop-Nominee.

II, a reorganization of the A.C.R.Y. took place August 29-30 in Pittsburgh, PA. 1938- The American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Diocese offi- 1949- The first issue of The A.C.R.Y. cially established and canonized by the Annual published, with Very Rev. John Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantino- Yurcisin as Editor. It has appeared every ple. year since.

1938- The arrival of Bishop Orestes in 1950- The first “A.C.R.Y. Day” for the New York, NY hailed by a huge crowd as benefit of the Seminary was sponsored by the ship moved into harbor. A service was the Homestead, PA Chapter on July 30. held at St. Nicholas Church.

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Chronology of Important Dates 1950- Christ the Saviour Church in Johnstown, PA, has accepted a proposal to grant the Diocese a parcel of land and $65,000, plus use of a parish home, for the purpose of erecting a Diocesan Cathedral in Johnstown. The Diocese and parish incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania.

1955- First Diocesan Pilgrimage held July 4 on seminary grounds in Johnstown, PA. 1956- First Diocesan Altar Boy Retreat held in Johnstown, PA. 1957- Complete structural renovation of Diocesan seminary building, Johnstown, PA.

1950- Diocesan Board of Trustees vote to build Christ the Saviour Cathedral and 1963- New Diocesan headquarters and approved architectural plans. Bishop Episcopal Residence built next to the CaOrestes blessed the ground for the Cathe- thedral in Johnstown, PA. dral.

1963- The Diocese observed its 25th 1951- The Diocese purchased a large Anniversary with special ceremonies. building on two acres of land in Johnstown for Christ the Saviour Seminary. 1963- Election and Consecration of The grounds were blessed by Bishop Auxiliary Bishop Peter Shymansky. He served a short while, falling asleep in Orestes.

Christ, May 17, 1964.

1951- Christ the Saviour Seminary opened its doors to students in its own 1965- Bishop Orestes elevated to the rank of Metropolitan by the Ecumenical building in Johnstown on November 2.

Patriarch.

1952Ground-breaking for the new Christ the Saviour Cathedral took place 1966- Election and Consecration of on July 12, and construction began two Bishop John R. Martin, D.D. Archbishop days later. Solemn blessing of the corner- Iakovos led the Consecrating Bishops at the services in Christ the Saviour Cathestone took place October 5. dral.

1953- Christ the Saviour Seminary approved and recognized by the Department 1974- A 289-acre parcel of land in of Public Instruction of the state of Penn- Mercer, PA., given to the Diocese by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Radick of Sharon, PA., sylvania. Charter granted in 1960. for the development of a camp.

1954- Memorial Day was the date of the solemn Dedication of the newly con- 1976- Ground was broken for the constructed Christ the Saviour Cathedral in struction of Camp Nazareth.

Johnstown. The event was televised over a 1977- Colorful ceremonies mark the wide area. formal Dedication of the Diocesan Camp 1954- First missionary parish of the Nazareth in Mercer, PA. Diocese organized in what is now Levit- 1977- Metropolitan Orestes P. Chortown, PA. nock fell asleep in the Lord on February 1954- Diocese pioneered in establish- 17. Services were conducted at St. John’s ing Chaplaincy and special Boy Scout Church, Bridgeport, CT. Awards.

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Chronology of Important Dates 1977- Dedication of new Christ the san clergy to nominate Bishop Nicholas Saviour Educational Center, Johnstown, Smisko as successor to Bishop John MarPA. tin.

1977- Blessing of new mission Church 1985- Enthronement of Bishop Nichoin Freehold, NJ. las as Ruling Hierarch of the Diocese after his election by the Ecumenical Patriar1978- Twenty Hierarchs met in the chate.

Cathedral, Johnstown, PA., for a National Conference of Orthodox Bishops.

1986- Pilgrimage headed by His Grace, Bishop Nicholas to Constantinople and 1978- Purchase of large estate in Tuxethe Holy Land. do Park, NY for Diocesan monastery.

1987- Two Diocesan Pilgrimages, 1978- Ecumenical Patriarch designated headed by Bishop Nicholas to reverence Bishop John as successor to Metropolitan the Weeping Icon of Our Lady of ChicaOrestes. go.

1979- Solemn Dedication of the Mon1988- 1,125 year-commemoration of astery of the Annunciation in Tuxedo the conversion of the Carpatho-Russian Park, NY. people to Orthodoxy by Saints Cyril and 1982- Orthodox-Lutheran Convocation Methodios. held at Christ the Saviour Seminary.

1988- 1,000 year-commemoration of 1982- Patriarch Diodoros of Jerusalem Kievan-Rus to Orthodox Christianity by Saint Vladimir. visited the Cathedral in Johnstown, PA. 1982- First meeting of Christ the Sav- 1988- Two Pilgrimages to Russia and Czechoslovakia led by Bishop Nicholas iour Seminary Alumni Association. for the millennium Celebration.

1983– Bishop Nicholas Smisko consecrated at St. Mary’s Church, in Allentown, 1988- Celebration of the 50th Golden Anniversary of the American CarpathoPA. Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Dio1983- Three laymen of the Diocese cese. named First Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: John Halecky, Jr., Frank 1990- His All-Holiness Patriarch Dimitrios I visited the Cathedral and semiFinui and Richard J. Radick. nary in Johnstown, PA. 1984- Archbishop Iakovos at the 5th 1990- Celebration of 50th Golden AnDiocesan Pilgrimage at the monastery. niversary of Christ the Saviour Seminary.

1984- Bishop John R. Martin died suddenly on Sunday, September 30. Huge 1990- Meeting of Orthodox Catholic crowds attended the funeral October 4. Consultation of Hierarchs took place in Laid to rest near the Cathedral in John- Johnstown, PA. stown, PA. 1990- Death of Rt. Rev. Mitred Peter 1984- Rt. Rev. Peter E. Molchany, Vic- E. Molchany, Vicar General of the Dioar General, announces decision of Dioce- cese.

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Chronology of Important Dates 1990- Very Rev. Protopresbyter John enthronement of Archbishop Spyridon as Yurcisin appointed Diocesan Vicar. Very new Archbishop of America.

Rev. Protopresbyter Frank Miloro ap1997- His Eminence, Archbishop Spyrpointed Diocesan Chancellor. idon visited Christ the Saviour Cathedral 1991- Bishop Nicholas, accompanied and presided at Ground-breaking Cereby Fr. Luke Mihaly, travels to Czechoslo- monies for the new Diocesan Chancery vakia to assess condition of the Orthodox building.

Church in that region.

1997- His All-Holiness, Ecumenical 1991- Death of his All-Holiness, Di- Patriarch Bartholomew visited Christ the mitrios I, on October 2nd. Bishop Nicho- Saviour Cathedral and presided over the las represented the Diocese at the funeral. ceremonies for the Laying of the Cornerstone for the new Diocesan Chancery 1991– Bishop Nicholas represented the building.

Diocese at the enthronement of his AllHoliness, Bartholomew I as new Ecumen- 1997- Bishop Nicholas elevated to the ical Patriarch of Constantinople. rank of Metropolitan by the Holy Synod of Constantinople.

1992– Harvest 2000, Diocesan plan for missions, renewal and evangelization is 1997- Metropolitan Nicholas representinitiated. ed his All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at St. Peter’s in Rome dur1992– Bishop Nicholas attends a speing the Convocation of Roman Catholic cial synod of Orthodox Bishops, conBishops of North and South America. vened by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople.

1997– St. John the Baptist Church in Perth Amboy, NJ and St. Michael the 1993- Junior A.C.R.Y celebrates l0th Archangel Church in St. Clair, PA celeAnniversary. brated their 100th Anniversary.

1993- Bishop Nicholas celebrates l0th 1997- Metropolitan Nicholas leads the Anniversary of Consecration to the Epis4th Pilgrimage, following in the footsteps copacy. of St. Paul, to Greece and Turkey May 9 1994– Bishop Nicholas attends canoni- –26. zation of Father Alexis Toth in South 1998- Metropolitan Nicholas received Canaan, PA and Father Maksym Sandoan honorary Doctor of Divinity degree vich in Poland. from Holy Cross School of Theology.

1995- Metropolitan Nicholas leads the 1998- New Diocesan Chancery build3rd Pilgrimage to Constantinople, the ing is blessed by Metropolitan Nicholas.

Holy Land and Greece - May 8-21.

1998- Metropolitan Nicholas celebrat1996- Bishop Nicholas attends a speed his 15th Anniversary of Consecration cial synod of Orthodox Bishops convened to the Episcopacy.

by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople.

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Chronology of Important Dates 2001- Metropolitan Nicholas leads 2006- Metropolitan Nicholas observes millennium Pilgrimage to Slovakia, Hun- his 70th birthday. gary, Czech Republic and the Ukraine.

2006- The 50th Anniversary celebrat2001- Christ the Saviour Seminary cele- ing the establishment of the Alpha-Omega brates its 50th Anniversary in its John- Award for scouting was observed at Christ stown location. the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, PA. 2001- “Dollar A Day” project initiated 2006- First Diocesan Family Weekend to fund the building of a Carpathian style held at Chestnut Grove Resort in SwiftwaChurch at Camp Nazareth. ter, PA. 2002- Cornerstone blessed for Saints 2006- 20th Diocesan Council/Sobor Cyril and Methodios Church at Camp hosted by the New England Deanery in Nazareth.

Greenwich, CT. 2002- Metropolitan Nicholas partici- 2006- At the invitation of Bishop Milan pates in “Consecration of Holy Chrism” Shashik, ruling hierarch of the Greek in Constantinople.

Catholic Diocese of Uzhorod, Metropolitan Nicholas delivered one of the main 2003– Metropolitan Nicholas celebrataddresses during the International Confered his 20th Anniversary of Consecration ence on the Occasion of the 100th Annito the Episcopacy. versary of the First Printing of the Pro2003- Death of Very Rev. Protopresby- stopinije held at the Blessed Theodore ter John Yurcisin, Vicar General of the Romzha Theological Academy, Uzhorod, Transcarpathia.

Diocese.

2003- Consecration of Sts. Cyril and 2006- First Diocesan Youth sojourn held at Camp Nazareth.

Methodios Church at Camp Nazareth.

2003- 20th Anniversary of the National 2006- His Excellency, Bishop Milan Shashik of the Byzantine Catholic eparchy Junior A.C.R.Y. of Mukachevo visits Diocesan Chancery 2005- Proclamation of the new Dioce- and Cathedral. san Feast of the Synaxis of the Carpatho2007- Biennial Diocesan Clergy ConRusin Saints. vocation held at Camp Nazareth.

2005- Metropolitan Nicholas establishes the new Diocesan Apostolate for Youth 2007- Diocesan Altar Boy Retreat marks its 50th Anniversary. ministry.

2005- The Diocese hosts several chil- 2007- A delegation of eleven Diocesan dren from the St. Nicholas home in faithful participated in the International Youth Conference held in Constantinople Medzilaborce, Slovakia. and hosted by his All-Holiness, Ecumeni2005- The wonder-working Sitka Icon cal Patriarch Bartholomew. of the Mother of God visits Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, PA and St. John the Baptist Church in Perth Amboy, NJ.

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Chronology of Important Dates 2007- The Wonderworking Icon of St. Anna, the mother of the Theotokos, was present for veneration during the the second Annual Youth Pilgrimage held at Camp Nazareth.

2007- His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas participated in a Synaxis of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, which was called by His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew from August 31-September 2.

pates in the First Episcopal Assembly convened in New York City on May 26-28.

2010- Diocese launches enhanced Distinguished Diocesan Donors program.

2010- Myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God visits Christ the Saviour Cathedral.

2011- Metropolitan Nicholas observes his 75th birthday.

2011- Metropolitan Nicholas fell asleep 2008- Celebration of the 70th Anniver- in the Lord, Sunday, March 13, 2011, sary of the American Carpatho-Russian with funeral services conducted at Christ Orthodox Diocese. the Saviour Cathedral, Johnstown, PA and St. John the Baptist Church in Perth Am2008- Metropolitan Nicholas celebratboy, NJ. ed his 25th Anniversary of Consecration to the Episcopacy.

2011- Archbishop Demetrios appointed Locum Tenens of the Diocese.

2009– Metropolitan Nicholas celebrated his 50th Anniversary of Ordination to 2011- Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholothe Holy Priesthood. mew marks 20th Anniversary of Enthronement. Protopresbyter Michael Ros2009- 21st Diocesan Council/Sobor co represented the Diocese at the Annihosted by the New Jersey Deanery in versary festivities in Constantinople.

South Bound Brook, NJ. 2011- Diocesan Consistory and Board 2009- Metropolitan Nicholas establishof Trustees announced the retiring of the es the new Diocesan Mission CommisChancery building debt that was incurred sion, the Diocesan Information and Techin 1998 in the amount of $726,185.75. nology Commission and the Diaconal The Diocese is debt free.

Commission.

2011- St. Nicholas Church, Barton, 2010– Metropolitan Nicholas establishOH and St. Nicholas Church, Monongaes the Diocesan Stewardship Commishela, PA both celebrated their 100th Ansion. niversaries.

2010- Metropolitan Nicholas convenes 2012- Very Rev. Archimandrite GrigoDiocesan Clergy Convocation at Camp rios Tatsis is put forth by His Eminence, Nazareth, April 7-9.

Archbishop Demetrios, and the Diocesan 2010- 21st Diocesan Council/Sobor Consistory as a candidate for the next reconvened on Monday and Tuesday, Ruling Hierarch of the Diocese.

June 14 and 15 in Johnstown, PA at Christ the Saviour Cathedral and Educational Center.

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Chronology of Important Dates 2012– Special Assembly of Diocesan Priests called for Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown with His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America presiding.

Johnstown, PA 2013- Christ the Saviour/Holy Trinity, Ottawa, Canada, celebrated its 100th Anniversary.

2013- Bishop Gregory participated in 2012- Archimandrite Grigorios Tatsis the 4th Assembly of the Canonical Orthonominated by priests of the Diocese as the dox Bishops of the USA in Chicago, IL. next Ruling Hierarch.

2013- Protopresbyter Frank P . Miloro 2012- The Holy and Sacred Synod of retires from active ministry and as Dean of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of ConstantiChrist the Saviour Cathedral. nople on Thursday, August 30, 2012, confirmed and officially elected unanimously 2013- Protopresbyter Robert Buczak the Very Reverend Archimandrite Grigo- appointed Dean of Christ the Saviour rios Tatsis to be the Diocesan Bishop of Cathedral. the American Carpatho-Russian Ortho2013- Bishop Gregory participates in dox Diocese of the USA with the title of the Second Archon International ConferBishop of Nyssa. ence on Religious Freedom held at the 2012- His Grace, Bishop-Elect Grego- Adlon Hotel in Berlin, Germany. ry, travelled to the Ecumenical Patriar2013- Bishop Gregory serves as the chate of Constantinople to take part in the keynote speaker for the annual OCF Colofficial ceremonies of announcement and lege Conference East held at the Antiochiacceptance of his election as Ruling Dioc- an Village in Bolivar, PA. esan Bishop.

2014- Bishop Gregory serves as the 2012- Bishop-Elect Gregory (Tatsis) keynote speaker for the 12th Annual Orordained to the Episcopacy by His Emi- thodox Christian Camp and Youth Worknence Archbishop Demetrios of America ers Conference which took place at Antioon November 27, 2012, at Christ the Sav- chian Village, Bolivar, PA. iour Cathedral in Johnstown, PA. 2014- Bishop Gregory led the Archon 2012– The Camp Nazareth residence Lenten Retreat held at the Ukrainian Oraddition was blessed. thodox Church of the USA in Somerset, 2013– St. John the Baptist Church, NJ. Hermitage, PA; St. Elizabeth Church, 2014- Bishop Gregory convenes the Woodstock, GA; and St. Thomas the annual Diocesan Clergy Convocation held Apostle Church, Waldorf, MD were con- during Bright Week at Camp Nazareth. secrated.

2014- A new Clergy Benevolent Fund 2013- Protopresbyter Michael Rosco, was established to help Diocesan clergy editor of the Church Messenger, died as a facing difficulties and unforeseen circumresult of an auto accident, May 15. stances.

2013- The 75th Anniversary of the Diocese was celebrated in conjunction with the XXII Diocesan Council-Sobor in

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Chronology of Important Dates 2014- First Annual Young Women’s 2015– Bishop Gregory participates in Retreat was held at Saints Peter and Paul the 6th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Orthodox Church in Windber, PA. Bishops of the USA in Chicago, IL. 2014- Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Loposky, Diocese Director of Youth and Administrator of Camp Nazareth, represented the Diocese at the 3rd International Orthodox Youth Workers Forum held in Constantinople.

2015– Major cabin expansion project undertaken at Camp Nazareth.

2015– St. John the Baptist Church in Rahway, NJ celebrated its 100th Anniversary.

2015- Archon Joseph P. Parimucha 2014- Bishop Gregory participated in reposes in the Lord. the 5th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA in Dallas, TX. 2015- New High and Low Ropes Course completed at Camp Nazareth 2014- First Annual Camp Nazareth thanks to the generosity of the Episcopal Alumni Reunion held on Saturday, NoDiocese of Northwestern PA and the famvember 1, 2014. ily of the late Mark Delvillano.

2014- St. Mary’s Church in Corning, 2016- Bishop Gregory was the homilist NY celebrated their 100th Anniversary. for the Sunday of Orthodoxy on March 2014- St. Michael’s Church in Niles, IL 20, in Washington, DC. celebrated their 100th Anniversary.

2016- The annual Clergy Convocation 2014- St. Michael’s Church in Bing- was held at Camp Nazareth from May 10hamton, NY celebrated 110th Anniver- 13. sary of the founding and 75th Anniversary 2016- Major cabin expansion project of canonical establishment within the Diocompleted and blessed by Bishop Gregocese. ry and His Eminence, Metropolitan Savas 2015- Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly of Pittsburgh during the Annual Clergy leads OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellow- Convocation at Camp Nazareth. ship) Real Break Trip to Slovakia.

2016- The A.C.R.Y. Bowling Tourna2015– Helen Spanovich, celebrated ment was hosted over Memorial Day choir director in the Greater Johnstown weekend for the first time by St. Elizabeth area, retires after 75 years of service.

Church in Woodstock, GA. 2015- Reader, cantor, choir director, accomplished vocalist and educator Andrew Talarovich of St. Nicholas Church in Homestead, PA died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 27 at the age of 52.

2016- Peter Dimitrios Tatsis, father of Bishop Gregory, reposed on June 6.

2016- Bishop Gregory participated in the Holy and Great Council during Pentecost week from June 18-26 on the island 2015– St. John the Baptist Church in of Crete.

Perth Amboy, NJ announces an initiative 2016- Six Diocesan Choir Directors to build a Habitat for Humanity home in participated in the Annual Pan-Orthodox New Orleans in memory of former PasMusic Symposium in Minneapolis, MN. tor, +Protopresbyter Michael Rosco.

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Chronology of Important Dates 2016- Bishop Gregory participates in for the first time at Camp Nazareth in the 7th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox August.

Bishops of the USA in Detroit, MI. He is 2017- Bishop Gregory participates in elected Secretary of the Assembly. the 8th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox 2016- The XXIII Diocesan Council- Bishops of the USA in Garfield, NJ. Sobor convened in Johnstown, PA from 2017- Christ the Saviour Church in October 9-12.

Rockford, IL was consecrated by His 2016- October 14 marked the 5th An- Grace, Bishop Gregory and celebrated its niversary of the miraculous myrrh- 60th Anniversary in October. streaming Kardiotissa icon at St. George 2017- Saints Peter and Paul Church in Church in Taylor, PA. Central City, PA celebrates its 100th An2016- St. George Church in Taylor, PA niversary together with Bishop Gregory in was consecrated by Bishop Gregory.

October.

2016- The Habitat for Humanity Project initiated by St. John the Baptist Church in Perth Amboy, NJ in memory of departed Pastor, Protopresbyter Michael Rosco is completed by three Diocesan mission teams and blessed in December.

2017- Bishop Gregory celebrates the 5th Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination with a Prayers of Thanksgiving and a festive gathering at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown, PA. 2018— The First-ever Seniors Retreat was held in April at Camp Nazareth.

2016- Bishop Gregory, and nearly 30 Diocesan college students participated in the annual OCF College Conference at Antiochian Village, Bolivar, PA during winter break.

2018- Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, NJ celebrated their 90th Anniversary together with Bishop Gregory in July.

2017- The Diocese mourned the loss of both an alpha and an omega priest in the loss of Fr. Ronald Hazuda after a long battle with illness and the sudden, tragic loss of Fr. William George as a result of automobile accident on May 5.

2018-- The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople honored Bishop Gregory and our Diocese by elevating His Grace to the rank of Metropolitan. He is now known as His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa.

2017- Nativity of the Virgin Mary 2018— Metropolitan Gregory particiChurch in Cheektowaga, NY celebrated pates in the 9th Assembly of Canonical its 75th Anniversary together with Bishop Orthodox Bishops in the USA in CleveGregory in May. land, OH. 2017- Descent of the Holy Spirit 2018— St. Michael the Archangel Church in Schererville, IN celebrated its Church in Rankin, PA celebrated its 100th Anniversary together with Bishop 110th Anniversary together Metropolitan Gregory in June.

Gregory in November.

2017- Science and Nature Camp held

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Chronology of Important Dates 2019- The first Diocesan Parenting Workshops were held in the parishes of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, NJ, Niles, IL, and Bridgeport, CT with lectures offered by Metropolitan Gregory and Fr. Stephen Loposky.

2019- Metropolitan Gregory represented the Diocese at the enthronement of His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New York, NY in June.

October 14-17.

2019- Metropolitan Gregory participated in the investiture of Stephen Petrick as the Diocese’s newest Archon at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in New York, NY in October.

2019- St. John the Baptist Church in East Pittsburgh, PA celebrated its 100th Anniversary together with Metropolitan Gregory in November.

2019- St. John the Baptist Church in Wilpen, PA celebrated its 100th Anniversary together with Metropolitan Gregory in October.

2019- The XXIV Diocesan CouncilSobor convened in Johnstown, PA from

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American Carpatho-Russian Youth (A.C.R.Y.)

What is the A.C.R.Y.?

bership to experience the spiritual joy and fulfillment of participating in the The National A.C.R.Y. (American Carwork of Christ on a local, national and patho-Russian Youth) is the national global level through its many charitable youth organization of the American Caroutreach and philanthropic initiatives. patho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. It is divided Administration: into two separate organizations. The With the blessing of the Supreme PaJunior A.C.R.Y. (for ages 8 to 18) and tron, the Ruling Diocesan Bishop, and the Senior A.C.R.Y. (for ages 18 and the guidance of the National Spiritual older). Every parish in the Diocese is Advisor, the work and activities of the encouraged to have an A.C.R.Y. ChapNational A.C.R.Y. is overseen by the ter in their parish. Currently there are National Board. The National Board is 25 active Chapters throughout the Dioa group of appointed and elected indicese. viduals who guide the course of the A.C.R.Y. with the input of its memberOur Mission: ship.

The A.C.R.Y. is an Orthodox Christian family fellowship dedicated to the pur- The National Officers are eager to propose of encouraging spiritual growth vide guidance and assistance to local through charitable and apostolic mis- Chapters. Don’t be afraid to contact sionary works, prayer and fellowship for them with your questions, concerns, and the Glory of God and the building up of ideas! See the membership information section of the National A.C.R.Y. website the Church and our Diocese. (www.sracry.org) for the names and conThe A.C.R.Y. seeks to enable its memtact information of our current officers.

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American Carpatho-Russian Youth (A.C.R.Y.)

How do you become a Member?

If your parish does not have an active A.C.R.Y. Chapter and you along with 2 or more people are interested in becoming a member, go to our section on “How to Form a Chapter” to form a local chapter in your parish!

If you are interested in becoming a member of the A.C.R.Y., the first thing you should do is visit our National A.C.R.Y. website (http:// www.sracry.org). There are two separate If your parish does not have an active groups based on age: A.C.R.Y. Chapter and you are the only • Those ages 18 and older will be- person in your parish that is interested come members of the Senior in becoming a member, you can beA.C.R.Y. come a member of the National • Those under the age of 18 will be- A.C.R.Y.’s Chapter At Large. You come members of the Junior should download a copy of the National A.C.R.Y. See the National Junior A.C.R.Y. Membership Form (on the A . C . R . Y . w e b s i t e ( h t t p : / / Forms page of the National A.C.R.Y. www.jracry.org) for more infor- web-site http:// www.sracry.org), commation on becoming a member of plete it and submit it along with the National A.C.R.Y. Dues to our National their organization.

A.C.R.Y. Financial Secretary (see the People who are not of the Orthodox Officers page of the National A.C.R.Y. faith but a spouse of an A.C.R.Y. mem- web-site). ber, may join the A.C.R.Y. as an How do you form a Chapter?

“Associate Member”. They submit the same dues to the local Chapter for Na- If there are 3 or more people within tional (and local if applicable) and are your local parish that are interested in considered a member in good standing forming a local A.C.R.Y. Chapter bejust like a full fledged member. The cause one does not already exist: only restriction for Associate Members is that they cannot hold office on the • Visit our National A.C.R.Y. website http://www.sracry.org to get local or national level. some basic information on the If your parish has an active A.C.R.Y. A.C.R.Y. Chapter, contact the Chapter President or your parish Priest (who is the Spiritu- • Contact the National A.C.R.Y. al Advisor) to let them know you are President (see the Officers page of interested in becoming a member. You the National A.C.R.Y. web-site in will want to submit National Dues (and the membership information secany Local Dues that they may have) and tion for contact information) to excontact information to the Chapter Secpress your interest. The President retary who will forward the National can provide you with a copy of our Dues and contact information to the National By-Laws and any marketNational A.C.R.Y. Find out the next ing materials to help orient people with the principles and ideals of the meeting date so you can attend.

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American Carpatho-Russian Youth (A.C.R.Y.)

A.C.R.Y. which are also posted in for 5 or more years, you need to have a the Membership Information sec- reorganizational meeting with the people in your church interested in reaction of http:// www.sracry.org tivating it along with your parish Priest.

Schedule an organizational meeting At this reorganizational meeting you and have it announced in your par- need to: ish bulletin and by your Priest during announcements at the end of • Get consensus from the group present to reactivate and elect 3 or Liturgy. more officers (3 officers is the miniAt the organizational meeting: mum number of officers an active Chapter can have – President, SecReview the By-Laws and marketretary and Treasurer) ing materials with everyone interested to see that everyone is in • Collect National Dues from each agreement to carry out the princimember (Check website for current ples and ideals of the A.C.R.Y. amount)

•

•

Elect officers of your new local

chapter (a minimum of 3 – President, Secretary and Treasurer) Make some initial plans for your

first year

•

Fill out the Membership and Officer forms (see Forms page of the National A.C.R.Y. web-site)

•

Submit dues and reactivation fee of $10.00 along with Membership and Officer forms to the National A.C.R.Y. Financial Secretary (see the Officers page of the Membership Information Section of the National A.C.R.Y. website for contact information)

Collect National Dues from each

member Complete the Membership and

Officer forms (see Forms page of the National A.C.R.Y. web-site) Submit forms, dues and a Charter •

fee of $10.00 to the National President

Plan a community service, church or social activity to do together in the near future

Upon approval from the National If your local Chapter has been inactive

A.C.R.Y., have your officers sworn between 1 and 4 years, you can follow in by your Spiritual Advisor (your the above steps with the exception that local parish Priest) you do not need to pay the reactivation The National A.C.R.Y. will pre- fee. If there are less than 3 people insent or mail to you an official terested in becoming members within your local parish, then you can become A.C.R.Y. Charter. a member of Chapter-At-Large (see How do you Reactivate a Chapter? section on How do you become a memIf your local chapter has been inactive ber?).

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American Carpatho-Russian Youth (A.C.R.Y.)

Obligations of a Senior A.C.R.Y. Member Members in good standing will:

•

Sergeant-at-Arms (elected)

•

3 Auditors (elected)

•

Publicity Director

•

Custodian of Properties

•

Immediate Past President (only during first term of a standing President)

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Pay dues on time

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Attend local meetings

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Fulfill his/her spiritual obligations

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Participate in local Chapter events

•

Participate in National A.C.R.Y. Anyone who is a member in good events when feasible standing with the National A.C.R.Y. not Be at least 18 years of age a Pani or a member of the major (priest Conduct themselves in a manner or deacon) or minor (reader or subbefitting an Orthodox Christian so deacon) orders of the Church may hold as not to bring disrepute or disdain a position on the National Board of upon the Orthodox Church, our Officers. The positions not noted as “elected” are appointed either by our Diocese or the organization Supreme Patron or elected President.

• •

Who can be an Officer?

National Officers

Term of Office

The National A.C.R.Y. has officers An officer is elected or appointed for a which include: one year term. In the event of an of• Supreme Patron/Associate Patron ficer leaving officer prior to the completion of their one year term, the Presi• National Senior Spiritual Advisor dent will appoint an A.C.R.Y. member • National Junior Spiritual Advisor to fill the position for the remainder of the term.

• National A.C.R.Y. Annual Editor • • • • • • •

Duties of National A.C.R.Y. Officers

National A.C.R.Y. Annual Business National Senior Spiritual Advisor: The Manager National Spiritual Advisor shall conduct National Junior A.C.R.Y. Advisor all religious exercises of the A.C.R.Y. He shall give advice on all religious and President (elected) moral questions. He shall write articles Vice President (elected) of a religious nature for the Official Publications. He shall be the overseer Secretary of all religious publications published by Financial Secretary (elected) the organization and shall secure from proper authority the proper approbaTreasurer (elected) tion for them. He shall be a Priest of

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good standing in the American Carpa- President. He/She shall be the Vice Chairman of the National Convention, tho-Russian Orthodox Diocese. and he/she will be responsible for memNational Junior Spiritual Advisor: The bership supervision, conduct and coorNational Spiritual Advisor shall conduct dination of the Junior A.C.R.Y. He/ all religious exercises of the A.C.R.Y. She shall be responsible for countersignHe shall give advice on all religious and ing any funds issued by the Junior moral questions. He shall write articles A.C.R.Y. The Vice President shall perof religious nature for the Official Publiform such other duties as may be ascations. He shall be the overseer of all signed to him/her by the President, Nareligious publications published by the tional Board of Directors or Executive organization and shall secure from Board. proper authority the proper approbation of them. He shall be responsible National Recording Secretary: The Refor countersigning any funds issued by cording Secretary shall be the active the Junior A.C.R.Y. He shall be a managing officer of the A.C.R.Y. under Priest of good standing in the American the supervision of the Executive Board and the President. He/She shall assist Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese. in the conduct of the business affairs of National President: The National Presithe Organization and shall perform such dent shall preside at all meetings of the duties as are specified or implied in the National Board of Directors, Executive National By-Laws or assigned to him/ Board and National Convention. He/ her by the National Board of Directors She shall have the power of convoking or Executive Board. He/She shall keep meetings of the National Board of Diaccurate record of the minutes of all rectors, Executive Board, upon the admeetings of the National Board of Divice of the National Board or special rectors, Executive Board, and National convention. He/She shall be the Chief Convention. He/She shall prepare and Executive Officer, exercising general mail to the Chapters various reports, supervision of the work and activities of announcements, convention material the A.C.R.Y. It shall be his/her duty to and other matters as directed by the see that the Constitution and By-Laws of President, National Board of Directors the Organization are enforced. He/She or the Executive Board. shall with the advice of the Executive Board appoint necessary committees National Financial Secretary: The Fiand see to it that they accomplish their nancial Secretary shall keep the financial task. He/She shall perform all such records of the A.C.R.Y., collecting and other duties as usually pertain to the receiving all funds paid to the A.C.R.Y. and, within 30 days of receipt, turn same office of the President. over to the Treasurer with original reNational Vice President: The National ceipt. He/She shall receive bills and Vice President, in event of inability of upon authorization of the National the President shall perform his/her duBoard of Directors or Executive Board ties and have the same authority as the shall issue checks in payment. The Fi226

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nancial Secretary’s records and books shall at all times be open for inspection by the President, the National Board of Directors and Auditors. He/She will assume and conduct all necessary correspondence of the Organization and shall keep proper records of all Chapters and Members. He/She shall sign all documents issued by the Organization and shall upon the direction of the President affix the corporate seal when required.

He/She shall make a report to the Convention and Board Meeting. The Financial Secretary shall see to it that a complete and up-to-date roster of Chapters and Members as well as a copy of the Financial Reports of the previous year is kept at the National Headquarters.

patho-Russian Section” in the official Diocesan publication in the interest of the A.C.R.Y., our youth as well as our Orthodox Church and our American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese.

He shall supervise the publication of “The American Carpatho-Russian Youth Annual” as well as various booklets and pamphlets that may be published by the Organization, and all articles appearing in the A.C.R.Y. section of the Diocesan paper. An Assistant Editor shall be appointed by the Supreme Patron to assist in fulfilling these duties. They shall be Priests in good standing in the American CarpathoRussian Orthodox Diocese.

National Auditors: The Auditors shall faithfully and zealously audit the funds

National Treasurer: The National of the Organization at least once a year.

Treasurer shall take charge of all funds of the National Organization and deposit them in the name of the American Carpatho-Russian Youth in a bank approved by the National Board of Directors. All checks received by him/her shall be made out in the name of the American Carpatho-Russian Youth. All disbursements shall be paid by check drawn on the National Organization and co-signed by the National President, National Financial Secretary and Treasurer. His/Her accounts and books shall be open at all times for inspection by the President, National Board of Directors, Executive Board and Auditors.

He/She shall present a report at the National Convention and all Board Meetings.

They have the right at any time to examine the books, papers, records, accounts, and transactions involving finances. They are to notify the President and the members of the National Board of Directors immediately in case of misfeasance of any officer. One of the three auditors will be selected by the Auditors to be the Chief Auditor. The Chief Auditor shall present the Auditors report to the Convention and shall be a member of the Executive Board.

Sergeant - at - Arms: The Sergeant-at-

Arms shall maintain order at the National Convention and meetings of the National Board of Directors. He/She shall be subject to any duty imposed on him/her by the National Board of Directors. He/She shall be responsible for National Editor: The National Editor the Processional three-barred Cross, the shall be appointed by the Supreme Pa- American Flag and the other ceremonitron and shall edit the “American Car- al materials needed during the Conven2020

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tion Responsible for Miss A.C.R.Y. Directors of the Executive Board.

Contest.

National Business Manager: The BusiImmediate Past President: The Imme- ness Manager of “The American Carpadiate Past President shall be a member tho-Russian Youth Annual� shall be of the Executive Board and the National appointed by the Supreme Patron. He Board of Directors. He/She shall be will handle the finances of the Annual, the advisor to the President and will act keep proper records, supervise the soin his/her place when the President and liciting of advertisements and the distriVice President are absent. He/She shall bution of the Annual. He shall submit a be subject to any special duties imposed report to the National Board of Direcon him/her by the President, National tors or the Executive Board as well at Board of Directors or the Executive the National Convention. After all Board. In the event that the standing funds have been collected and bills President is serving a second or third paid, he shall turn over to the National term in accordance to Article XIV Para- Financial Secretary a complete report graph 52, the office of Immediate Past and all profits that may have been dePresident shall expire at the end of the rived from the Annual. first term.

A.C.R.Y. Ambassador: Additionally, a National Publicity Director: The Pub- leadership position known as the licity Director shall be appointed by the A.C.R.Y. Ambassador exists, to generExecutive Board and be responsible for ate a greater awareness of and interest in the promotion and communication of the A.C.R.Y. within our Diocese. This the National, district, and local level position also was created to provide A.C.R.Y. activities to all Chapters and recognition to an individual who has parishes within our Diocese. He/she demonstrated a deep commitment to will be responsible for gathering infor- the Orthodox Faith through their unselfmation on current happenings from all ish philanthropic service to their A.C.R.Y. levels as well as Diocesan af- Church, Community and Local / fairs. He/she will contact the official National A.C.R.Y. Those interested in Diocesan Publications that communi- serving in this capacity, including memcates the goals, activities, and purpose of bers of the minor clerical orders of the the A.C.R.Y. He/she should also be Church (reader or sub-deacon) are invitresponsible for assisting in the Organiza- ed to apply for this position. tion and planning of events to benefit Once all applications are received, the both A.C.R.Y. and non-A.C.R.Y. memA.C.R.Y. Ambassador Review Commitbers, including programs on improving tee will determine who is the most qualiour knowledge of the Orthodox faith, fied candidate to fill this position. The moral issues, retreats, and maintaining term of the A.C.R.Y. Ambassador posicontact with our college students. The tion is two years. If the person selected Publicity Director shall perform such to this position cannot fulfill the term, other duties as imposed upon him/her the President will appoint another by the President, National Board of 228

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A.C.R.Y. member to complete it.

Fund Drives to Support A.C.R.Y. Outreach Projects The National A.C.R.Y. has several funds that Chapters and individuals can donate to on a voluntary basis. In an effort to streamline this process, we have combined all of our funding efforts into one single Fund Drive, due to be postmarked by February 10th.

Workers Conference to gain valuable skills to better serve our young people.

Scholarship Fund: This fund was established to help provide scholarships to deserving A.C.R.Y. members who are attending higher education institutions to further their education.

Note: Your Chapter must make a donation to the Scholarship Fund Drive by February 10th if any of your members are applying for a scholarship. Chapters The funding received will be broken who do not submit a donation postdown across the following categories, marked by the deadline date will cause according to a need-based determinatheir applicants to be disqualified. tion made by the National Board at the start of each new business year.

Events, Fund Drives, and

Deadline Dates

A.C.R.Y. Ambassador Fund: This fund was established to help provide financial support to our A.C.R.Y. Ambassador as he/she does mission work/ community outreach.

The following is a list of dates that the National A.C.R.Y. follows for fund drives, events, deadlines and obligations.

Where it indicates you should send items to a person you want to go to the A.C.R.Y. Blessing Fund: This fund Officers page of the National A.C.R.Y. was established to help provide financial web-site to get their contact information. support to children with severe illness and/or disabilities.

November 15th

Camp Fund: This fund was established

A.C.R.Y. Annual Photo Submission

to help support our Diocesan youth Photos of parishes, A.C.R.Y. Chapters, camp, Camp Nazareth, located in MerDiocesan and other related events can cer, PA. be submitted to the A.C.R.Y. Annual Publication Fund: This fund was estab- Editor. lished to help provide financial support December 1st for the publication of pamphlets, booklets, literature and marketing materials A.C.R.Y. Annual Ads Submission for the benefit of our A.C.R.Y. and DioSponsors, Patrons, Boosters and Mecese. morials must be submitted with payYouth Workers Fund: This fund was ment to the A.C.R.Y. Annual Business established to help provide financial Manager. assistance to our National Junior A.C.R.Y. Advisor as he/she attends the National Orthodox Camp and Youth 2020

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vices, family fun events, and community service opportunities. Look for details Membership Dues, Membership and on our National A.C.R.Y. web-site and Officers forms submit reservations with payment to the Dues and forms should be submitted to host A.C.R.Y. Chapter by the deadlines National A.C.R.Y. Financial Secretary. listed.

December 1st

February 10th

June 1st

Advent Stewardship Fund Drive

Scholarship Application Forms

Donations from the Advent Stewardship Drive for the benefit of all National A.C.R.Y. Funds (including Ambassador Fund, A.C.R.Y. Blessing Fund, Camp Fund, Publication Fund, and Youth Workers Fund) should be sent to the National A.C.R.Y. Financial Secretary.

Those active Senior A.C.R.Y. members who are attending college or Junior A.C.R.Y. members who will be going into their Freshmen year of college (and joining the Senior A.C.R.Y. in the next membership year) can apply for a National A.C.R.Y. Scholarship.

Winter

July 1st

A.C.R.Y. Annual Distribution

Awards Applications – Awards are presented yearly at our National A.C.R.Y. Books will be shipped to parishes for Convention for the following categories: distribution based on the number listed on your Chapter’s membership form of • Chapter of the Year the prior year. Additional books will be • Individual of the Year provided to parishes for re-sale.

• Church School Teacher of the Year Lenten Season National A.C.R.Y. hosted Lenten Retreats Retreats held in Western, Central and Eastern regions of our Diocese.

Look for details on our National A.C.R.Y. web-site and in the Church Messenger (Diocesan newspaper) regarding location, theme, and registration prior to the beginning of the Lenten Season.

Forms are available on National A.C.R.Y. web-site and need to be completed and postmarked by this date and completed forms should be submitted to the National A.C.R.Y. President.

August 1st

A.C.R.Y. Convention Delegate Forms

A list of members that will represent your Chapter at the upcoming National Memorial Day Weekend ACRY Convention Business Sessions National A.C.R.Y. Metropolitan should be sent to the National A.C.R.Y. Orestes Memorial Bowling Tournament Financial Secretary.

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Labor Day Weekend

National A.C.R.Y. Convention A weekend long event that includes business session meetings, church services, dinners, and family focused events. Look for details on our National A.C.R.Y. website and submit reservations to the host A.C.R.Y. Chapter by the deadlines listed.

A.C.R.Y. Scholarship Information Those active Senior A.C.R.Y. members who are attending college or Junior A.C.R.Y. members who will be going into their Freshmen year of college (and joining the Senior A.C.R.Y. in the next membership year) can apply for a National A.C.R.Y. Scholarship in several different categories: •

Freshman (Up to 6 recipients)

•

Sophomore (Up to 4 recipients)

•

Junior (Up to 2 recipients)

•

Senior (Up to 1 recipient)

•

Metropolitan Orestes Memorial (Up to 1 recipient )

•

Graduate (Up to 1 recipient)

•

Seminarian (Up to 1 recipient)

•

Technical/Trade (Up to 1 recipient)

•

Mary Kay Wanchik Memorial (Up to 1 recipient)

All applications as well as letter of recommendations must be postmarked by June 1st to be considered for a scholarship. A member can only receive an award in each category once.

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Note: Your local Chapter must submit a donation to our Scholarship Fund Drive

by February 10th to complete the qualification process. Those Senior A.C.R.Y. members applying who are from Chapter-At-Large or Junior A.C.R.Y. member who do not have an active Senior A.C.R.Y. Chapter in their parish are exempt from the Chapter donation.

A.C.R.Y. Chapters (by Chapter #) #4 New York, NY (10th Street) #5 McKeesport, PA #6 Freeland, PA #7 Ambridge, PA #11 Homestead, PA #13 Windber, PA #20 Johnstown, PA #21 Taylor, PA #23 Stratford, CT (Silver Lane) #24 Manville, NJ #25 Potomac, MD #28 Monongahela/Jacobs Creek, PA #30 Phoenixville, PA #31 Scranton, PA #34 Elizabeth, NJ #36 Bayonne, NJ #40 Binghamton, NY #41 Hawk Run, PA #42 Pittsburgh, PA (Northside) #43 Rockaway, NJ #49 Erie, PA #52 Warren, OH #67 Schererville, IN #68 Niles, IL #85 Columbus, OH

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The A.C.R.Y. March We have gathered as members of the A.C.R.Y. To proclaim our devotion and our love for our God and our Church To proclaim our devotion and our love for our God and our Church Chorus:

May God bless this land of ours, And that of our forefathers.

To them we pledge to be loyal forever!

My vsi prijsli do vjedna Clenstvo A.C.R.Y.

Csto Svitu Prockazati Cto my L’ubim Boha I Cerkov Chorus: Naj zijet nas narod Amerikanskij Russkij My ze jeho d’iti Budem na viki

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2019-2020 National Senior A.C.R.Y. Officers

Rachel Pribish President

Aaron Zak Vice President

Maryann Hudak Corresponding Secretary

Barb Fitzgerald Financial Secretary

Kevin Coffman Treasurer

Tracey Bilanin Chief Auditor

Elizabeth Fabian Auditor

Nick Cizin Auditor

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2019-2020 National Senior A.C.R.Y. Officers

Paul Zdinak Young Adult Trustee

Stephen Sudik Sergeant-at-Arms

Alexa Petrick Publicity Director

Donna Yarina Custodian of Properties

John Bilanin Events Coordinator

Jordan Polanichka A.C.R.Y. Ambassador

Fr. Frank Miloro Bishop’s Representative

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Fr. Peter Paproski Fr. William Bennett Annual Business Manager Senior Advisor

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2019-2020 National A.C.R.Y. Officers

Fr. Matthew Stagon

A.C.R.Y. Annual Editor

Fr. Miles Zdinak Junior Advisor

Sarah Lavra Junior Advisor

2019-2020 National Junior A.C.R.Y. Officers

Front Row: Abigail L. (Sergeant-at-Arms), Juliana Z. (Immediate Past President), Hannah G. (President), Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa (Supreme Patron), Fr. Miles Zdinak (Spiritual Advisor), Sarah Lavra (Junior Advisor) Second Row: Emily G. (Treasurer), Allen D. (Auditor), Nadia K. (Corresponding Secretary), Grace G. (Vice President), Ben G. (Auditor), and Katren L. (Financial Secretary) 2020

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Resolutions of the 75th National A.C.R.Y. Convention 1) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention offers praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon our organizations and our Holy Orthodox Church. We pray to our Lord that He continues to bless and protect our God-saved Diocese and our youth organization as we continue in our service to Him and to His people, striving “Forever Forward and Heavenward.”

2) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention prays to Almighty God to bless and protect our Ecumenical Patriarch, His All Holiness Bartholomew, as the “First Among Equals”--a title that is centuries old and respected by all Orthodox Patriarchs--and Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, as he presides in love over 250 million Orthodox Christians in the world. Is polla eti, Despota!

3) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention would like to extend our heartfelt prayers, and best wishes to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, former Exarch of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on his recent retirement from active pastoral ministry. We offer our sincere gratitude to Archbishop Demetrios for his paternal love for our Diocese over the past twenty years, and especially in serving as Locum Tenens of our Diocese following the repose of His Eminence,

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Metropolitan Nicholas. May God continue to bless him as he begins his new diakonia of Prayer to God for the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Is polla eti, Despota!

4) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention would like to extend our heartfelt prayers, and best wishes to His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, on his recent election and enthronement as Archbishop of America and Exarch of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople . May God bless him as he begins his new ministry of service to the Greek Archdiocese of America. Is polla eti, Despota!

5) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention would like to extend our heartfelt prayers and best wishes to our ruling hierarch, His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa, recognizing his affinity for the youth ministry and his love and support of the young people of our Diocese. May his faith and enthusiasm lead us to our home in the Kingdom of God. May the Lord bless him for many happy and blessed years! Is polla eti, Despota!

6) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention prays for the eternal memory and blessed repose of the souls of our departed Diocesan Hierarchs: His Eminence, Metropolitan Orestes, the found-

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Resolutions of the 75th National A.C.R.Y. Convention

ing father of our Diocese and A.C.R.Y., His Grace, Bishop Peter, His Grace, Bishop Methodios, His Grace, Bishop John and His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas all of thrice blessed memory.

May we as an organization always hold and foster the principles and ideals our bishops have taught us. May Their Memories Be Eternal! Vicnaja Jim Pamjat!

7) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention offers our congratulations to the Diocese for 81 years of spiritual guidance for our members of the Orthodox faith. We pray for continued growth and prosperity for many years to come. And may we never lose focus of the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Hebrews “Remember your prelates who first spoke God’s message to you, and reflecting on the outcome of their life and work; follow the example of their faith.”

8) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention expresses its gratitude and appreciation to the members of Chapter #25 Potomac, MD, host parish of the 2019 Metropolitan Orestes Bowling Tournament, and Chapter #21, Taylor, PA, host chapter of the 2019 National A.C.R.Y. Convention, for their dedication and efforts in accomplishing successful events.

9) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention mourns the loss and prays for the repose of the souls of its beloved members who have fallen asleep in the Lord this past year. We reverently remember 2020

their Christian example and dedicated service to our organization. To them and to all the faithfully departed members of the A.C.R.Y. who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection, may their memories be eternal. Vicnaja Jim Pamjat!

10) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention continue to support the institutions of our beloved Diocese: Christ the Saviour Seminary and Camp Nazareth. May they flourish under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

11) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention supports the worldwide protest over the denial of the title of “Ecumenical Patriarch” by government authorities of Turkey. This title is historically accurate and remains intact. We express our continued regrets at the closing of the historical Ecumenical Theological School of Halki in 1971, 48 years ago, by the Turkish authorities. It is our fervent prayer that this historic theological academy and monastery be reopened in the near future so that it can continue its ministry of the formation and edification of future students for service in the Orthodox Church. We acknowledge and encourage support for the efforts of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarch who continue to spotlight oppressive conditions and advocate improvements for Orthodox Christians in Turkey.

12) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention rejoices and exclaims AXIOS! to The Reverend Fathers Nathaniel Cho-

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Resolutions of the 75th National A.C.R.Y. Convention

ma, Vincent Dranginis, Paul Tadros and Michael Foster on their Priestly Ordinations this past year and prays that the Lord God grants them many years of good health, peace and happiness, working in the vineyard of Christ for the salvation of the souls entrusted to their pastoral care.

Diocesan retreats, pilgrimages and camping sessions. We recognize this as a vital way to grow in our faith and our Orthodox Christian witness to the Risen Lord in the midst of our world.

14) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention offers its deepest condolences and prayers on the recent Repose in the Lord of the Very Rev. Protopresbyter George Havrila. May His Memory Be Eternal.

their efforts at fostering Orthodox unity and cooperation are well-pleasing to Almighty God.

17) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention commits to the reactivation of 13) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y chapters that have fallen away A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Conven- with lapsed memberships in the past tion offers congratulations and prayers years. to all Clergy and PaĹˆis who are celebrat- 18) BE IT RESOLVED that the ing special anniversaries of their priestly A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National ConvenOrdinations and Marriages this year, as tion offers its full support of the efforts we continue to pray for vocations to and endeavors of the Assembly of Caserve our faithful and follow in the steps nonical Orthodox Bishops of the Unitof our Lord Jesus Christ. ed States of America. We pray that

19) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convention offers prayer and support for all Orthodox clergy, laity and Christians 15) BE IT RESOLVED that the around the world who are persecuted A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Conven- for the faith and held in captivity. tion acknowledges the contributions of 20) BE IT RESOLVED that the all outgoing National Officers and prays A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Conventhat the Lord will bless the newly Electtion supports and prays for the United ed Officers of our National Senior and States Government and the members of Junior organizations with wisdom and our Armed Forces, both here and strength to conduct business during the abroad, in the continuing effort to offer coming year. May the Holy Spirit inprotection from those who desire to spire and guide them in all their efforts harm others through terrorist activity. so that they, in turn, may continue to lead us "Forever Forward and Heaven- 21) BE IT RESOLVED that the A.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convenward." tion offers its appreciation for the sup16) BE IT RESOLVED that the port of the Diocese for all of our enA.C.R.Y. at its 75th National Convendeavors as we continue to move tion encourages the spiritual growth of “Forever Forward and Heavenward. its members by increased attendance at

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A.C.R.Y. Faces and Places The following is a listing of important people and Chapters that have played vital roles in the history and development of the National A.C.R.Y. National Presidents 1937 1939 1947 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982

2020

Nicholas Solak, Bridgeport, CT Frank Lissick, Binghamton, NY Stephen Conjelko, Windber, PA George Fedor, Homestead, PA Michael Begala, Homestead, PA William B. Hawke, Homestead, PA William B. Hawke, Homestead, PA Michael Gost, Johnstown, PA Andrew Homanich, Scranton, PA Andrew Homanich, Scranton, PA Andrew Homanich, Scranton, PA Michael Pingor, Homestead, PA Michael Pingor, Homestead, PA Michael Pingor, Homestead, PA Thomas Watto, Nesquehoning, PA William B. Hawke, Homestead, PA George G. Gulish, Ambridge, PA John Kamenitsky, Bridgeport, CT John Kamenitsky, Bridgeport, CT John Kamenitsky, Bridgeport, CT Robert J. Serko, Endicott, NY Robert J. Serko, Endicott, NY Nicholas J. Timko, Johnstown, PA Alex Breno, Phoenixville, PA Alex Breno, Phoenixville, PA Alex Breno, Phoenixville, PA Alex Breno, Phoenixville, PA David Dutko, Binghamton, NY Alex Breno, Phoenixville, PA Alex Breno, Phoenixville, PA George Kaminsky, Stratford, CT George Kaminsky, Stratford, CT John H. Sabol, Stratford, CT Emil Misichko, Niles, IL Emil Misichko, Niles, IL Michelle Tomko, Homestead, PA

1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Michelle Tomko, Homestead, PA Michelle Tomko, Homestead, PA Mary K. Wanchik, Sharon, PA Mary K. Wanchik, Sharon, PA Mary K. Wanchik, Sharon, PA Daniel Breno, Potomac, MD Daniel Breno, Potomac, MD Daniel Breno, Potomac, MD Matthew Peifer, Pittsburgh, PA Christina Duranko, Rankin, PA Peter Samilenko, Stratford, CT Peter Samilenko, Stratford, CT Peter Samilenko, Stratford, CT John Bilanin, Phoenixville, PA John Bilanin, Phoenixville, PA John Bilanin, Phoenixville, PA Daniel Breno, Potomac, MD Daniel Breno, Potomac, MD Daniel Breno, Potomac, MD Adam Rogers, Elizabeth, NJ Adam Rogers, Elizabeth, NJ Michelle Tomko, Homestead, PA Michelle Tomko, Homestead, PA Matthew Peifer, Pittsburgh, PA Matthew Peifer, Pittsburgh, PA Matthew Peifer, Pittsburgh, PA Nicholas Dzubak, Potomac, MD Nicholas Dzubak, Potomac, MD Nicholas Dzubak, Potomac, MD Amy Coffman, Phoenixville, PA Amy Coffman, Phoenixville, PA Amy Coffman, Phoenixville, PA Kevin Coffman, Phoenixville, PA Kevin Coffman, Phoenixville, PA Kevin Coffman, Phoenixville, PA Rachel Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Rachel Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ

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A.C.R.Y. Faces and Places National Editors

1953—64 1964—65 1965—90 1990—03 2003—16 2016—

Protopresbyter John Yurcisin Very Rev. Joseph Mihaly Rev. John J. Hriecenak Protopresbyter Stephen Sedor Rev. William Conjelko Protopresbyter Andrew Hutynan Protopresbyter Michael Rosco Protopresbyter Mark Leasure Rev. Matthew G. Stagon

National Senior A.C.R.Y. Spiritual Advisors 1952-54 1955-56 1957-62 1963-65 1966-67 1968 1969 -70 1971-73 1975-87 1988-96 1996-02 2002-04 2004—

Protopresbyter Stephen Sedor Protopresbyter Elias Kozar Protopresbyter Michael Sopoliga Rev. Frank Mesaros Rev. Nicholas Smisko Rev. Frank Mesaros Very Rev. Peter Buletza Protopresbyter Michael Polanichka Protopresbyter Frank Miloro V. Rev. John Fedornock Very Rev. David Cochran Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky Protopresbyter Peter Paproski

National Junior A.C.R.Y. Spiritual Advisors 1983-88 1988-96 1996-02 2002 2003 2004—

Very Rev. David Smoley Rev. R. Michael Zak Very Rev. Kenneth Bachofsky Very Rev. Mark Leasure Rev. David Zuder Very Rev. Miles Zdinak

Sunday School Teacher Award 1959 1960 1962

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Yolanda Nitkulinec, Johnstown, PA Mary Ann Varmega, Youngstown, OH Helen Petrunchik, Taylor, PA

1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Delores Brudnak, Johnstown, PA Kathryn Holtz, California, PA Yolanda Nitkulinec, Johnstown, PA Irma Opacic, Johnstown, PA Pauline Koval, Yonkers, NY Mary Holypa, Buffalo, NY Helen Buydos, Windber, PA Joseph Furda, Elizabeth, NJ Mary Sandak, Johnstown, PA Rita Kushner, Endicott, NY Nicholas Butch, Binghamton, NY Christine Weiss, Rahway, NJ Margaret Komisar, Windber, PA Gloria Sesock, Homer City, PA Irene Popp, Johnstown, PA Mary Ann Macko, Endicott, NY Mary Turcola, Youngstown, OH Andrew Talarovich Jr., Homer City, PA Mae Krett, Johnstown, PA Rose Marie Smisko, Perth Amboy, NJ Nancy Kobal, Johnstown, PA Laura and John Kramer, Youngstown, OH Olga Gallos, Rockaway, NJ Rose Hilbocky, Johnstown, PA Lynda Sayers, Sharon, PA Joyce Kerr, Johnstown, PA Mark Samilenko, Phoenixville, PA Chris Hudack, Potomac, MD Linda Furko, Phoenixville, PA Stella Nitkulinec, Johnstown, PA Ann Marie Calvasino, Endicott, NY Nick Yakubik, Potomac, MD Janet Yakubik, Potomac, MD Barbara Gunning, White Plains, MD Charles Ellis Sr., Binghamton, NY John Sheptak, Phoenixville, PA Sandra Kaytek, Binghamton, NY Chris Fallon, Potomac, MD

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A.C.R.Y. Faces and Places 2003 2004 2005 2006 2009 2014 2015

Cheryl Dutko, Binghamton, NY Verna Czap, Hawk Run, PA Linda Taveir-Dasilva, Potomac, MD Dawn Krzyzanowski, New York, NY Louise Brudnak, Johnstown, PA Donna Provel, Manville, NJ Cindy Dzubak, Potomac, MD

1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980

Helen Elkanic, McKeesport, PA Irene Marko, East Chicago, IN Marge Lenchis, Gary, IN Betty Murda, Buffalo, NY Marion Stegun, New York, NY Mary Hlinko, New York, NY Dolores Panchisin, Johnstown, PA Evelyn Sabol, Bayonne, NJ Irene Chomko, Yonkers, NY Betty Dankovich, Buffalo, NY Mildred Balisen, Scranton, PA Helen Blasko, Sharon, PA Evelyn Hrapchak, Pittsburgh, PA Helen R. Knight, New Castle, PA Janet Vislocky, Manville, NJ Judith Babich, East Pittsburgh, PA Beth Hawke, Homestead, PA Deborah Mesaros, Allentown, PA Constance Evanisko, Johnstown, PA Lucy Kindja, Johnstown, PA Barbara Hlivko, Johnstown, PA Deborah Sapolich, Johnstown, PA Marion Barnansky, Taylor, PA Linda Chalachan, Binghamton, NY Janet Deneselya, Rankin, PA Elaine Labick, Phoenixville, PA Linda Serko, Elizabeth, NJ Pamela Rinow, Buffalo, NY Anna Jane Misichko, Niles, IL Mary C. Buletza, Rankin, PA Lorraine Kudelko, Sharon, PA Becky Slovesko, Windber, PA Mary Ann Nekolek, Yonkers, NY

Miss A.C.R.Y.

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1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Rebecca Luchok, Morgantown, WV Debbie Sabol, Stratford, CT Christine Timko, Monongahela, PA Tamara Evanisko, Johnstown, PA Margie Kovach, Cheektowaga, NY Veronica Diles, Warren, OH Nadine Bucek, Binghamton, NY Susan Breno, Phoenixville, PA Melinda Joy Sudik, Hawk Run, PA Beth Garland, Monongahela, PA Mary Benyo, Danbury, CT Cindy Coe, Ambridge, PA Lisa Piatak, Stratford, CT Kelly Ryan, Johnstown, PA Dawn Sikoryak, New York, NY Amy Oblinsky, Warren, OH Lynn Lorenzi, Pittsburgh, PA Suzanne Urban, Homestead, PA Suzanne Urban, Homestead, PA Angie DiPaoli, St. Clair, PA Angie DiPaoli, St. Clair, PA Danielle Fecso, Perth Amboy, NJ Elizabeth Thomas, Warren, OH Emily Fencik, Bayonne, NJ Elizabeth Fedornock, East Pittsburgh, PA Elizabeth Fedornock, East Pittsburgh, PA Stephanie Coffman, Hobart, IN Amanda Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ

Miss Junior A.C.R.Y. 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976

Diane Hudak, Pittsburgh, PA Margaret Sanger, Pittsburgh, PA Tina Shutack, Phoenixville, PA Joan Sipida, Freeland, PA Mary Buletza, Rankin, PA Cheryl Regan, Buffalo, NY Sonia Sydorwicz, Buffalo, NY Joyce Buydos, Windber, PA Valerie Lang, Buffalo, NY Christine Stefanik, Bayonne, NJ

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A.C.R.Y. Faces and Places 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

242

Julie Ann Ziehard, Sharon, PA Faith Fedornock, East Pittsburgh, PA Andrea Laichak, Johnstown, PA Debbie Sabol, Stratford, CT Kim Sorrentino, Stratford, CT Lisa Fachko, Buffalo, NY Claudine Paccio, Binghamton, NY Susan Breno, Phoenixville, PA Tasha Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Dawn Marie Piatak, Stratford, CT Stephanie Miloro, Johnstown, PA Rebecca Zak, East Chicago, IN Lisa Piatak, Stratford, CT Kelly Ryan, Johnstown, PA Amy Bachofsky, Homestead, PA Jessica Bagdonis, St. Clair, PA Beth Johnson, Niles, IL Beth Bachofsky, Homestead, PA Marika Chudacik, Binghamton, NY Elizabeth Fedornock, East Pittsburgh, PA Sharon Lorenzi, Pittsburgh, PA Cynthia Ross, Barton, OH Stephanie Nakonecznyi, Phoenixville, PA Emily Fencik, Bayonne, NJ Rachel Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Lindsay Winkler, Ambridge, PA Stacey Carlisle, East Pittsburgh, PA Barbara Barone, Rahway, NJ Caitlin Righetti, Ambridge, PA Katie Verbitsky, St. Clair, PA Alison Tusick, Ambridge, PA Emily Matelan, Rankin, PA Joanna Puzakulics, Binghamton, NY Angela Sudik, Potomac, MD Anastasia Koss, Phoenixville, PA Kate Rael, New York, NY Jess Pak, Elizabeth, NJ Alexa Fitzgerald, Rockaway, NJ Alexandra Benc, New York, NY

2016 2017 2018 2019

Julia Timko, New York, NY Bianca Kuzma, Perth Amboy, NJ Juliana Zdinak, Windber, PA Hannah Gdovin, Binghamton, NY

National Junior A.C.R.Y. Presidents 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Paul Maydak, Johnstown, PA Christine Fedornock, East Pittsburgh, PA Melinda Sudik, Hawk Run, PA Stephen Petrick, New York, NY Natasha Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ John Smith, Potomac, MD Johannah Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Jason Smith, Potomac, MD Jason Smith, Potomac, MD Matthew Moriak, St. Clair, PA Sarah Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Sarah Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ David Chendorain, Phoenixville, PA Sarah Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Jodi Hann, Monongahela, PA Jodi Hann, Monongahela, PA Amanda Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Amanda Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Amanda Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Matthew Dutko, Binghamton, NY Rachel Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Rachel Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Rachel Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Katherine Steinstra, Homestead, PA Alex Breno, Potomac, MD Alex Breno, Potomac, MD Maria Korchak, Binghamton, NY Tim Paproski, Stratford, CT Tim Paproski, Stratford, CT Tim Paproski, Stratford, CT Josef Samilenko, Stratford, CT Josef Samilenko, Stratford, CT Alexa Fitzgerald, Rockaway, NJ Juliana Zdinak, Windber, PA

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A.C.R.Y. Faces and Places 2018 2019

Juliana Zdinak, Windber, PA Hannah Gdovin, Binghamton, NY

National Junior of the Year 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2009 2010

Cara Paccio, Binghamton, NY Rick Dutko, Binghamton, NY Nicholas Yurschak, Niles, IL Elizabeth Fedornock, East Pittsburgh, PA Amanda Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Amanda Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Matthew Stagon, East Pittsburgh, PA Rachel Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Stacey Carlisle, East Pittsburgh, PA Danielle DelVillano, Binghamton, NY Nicole DelVillano, Binghamton, NY Maria Korchak, Binghamton, NY Kyra Leasure, Taylor, PA

Mr. Junior A.C.R.Y. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

2020

John Fucsko, Homestead, PA Jason Sheptak, Phoenixville, PA John Fallon, Potomac, MD Nathan Bachofsky, Warren, OH Kevin Coffman, Hobart, IN Alex Righetti, Ambridge, PA Adam Coffman, Hobart, IN John Steinstra, Homestead, PA Alex Breno, Potomac, MD Andrew Timko, New York, NY Michael Korchak, Binghamton, NY Tim Paproski, Stratford, CT Paul Zdinak, Windber, PA Josef Samilenko, Stratford, CT Chris Puzakulics, Binghamton, NY Zachary Fitzgerald, Rockaway, NJ Bryan Bilanin, Phoenixville, PA Christopher Dzubak, Potomac, MD Joshua Loposky, Mercer, PA Nicholas Loposky, Mercer, PA

Junior Advisor of the Year 2000 2001 2004 2007 2009 2010 2011

Nancy Yurschak, Niles, IL Pani Eleanor Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Chrissy Adzima, Bridgeport, CT Christine Srnka, Binghamton, NY Nadine Korchak and Barbara Puzakulics, Binghamton, NY Pani Beverly Leasure, Taylor, PA Deborah Samilenko, Stratford, CT

Senior A.C.R.Y. Individual Achievement Award 1989 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2007 2008

Margaret Chica, Windber, PA Michael Kundrat, Binghamton, NY Irene Dzubak, Potomac, MD John and Marie Smith, Potomac, MD Donna Yarina, Johnstown, PA John and Sheila Hrapchak, Potomac, MD Maryann Hudak, Bayonne, NJ Elizabeth Michel, Potomac, MD George and Mildred Sukal, Homestead, PA Nicholas Dzubak, Potomac, MD Alex and Eleanor Breno, Phoenixville, PA Harry and Barbara Coe, Ambridge, PA Peter and Debbie Samilenko, Stratford, CT Arthur Steinstra and Anna Pishnik, Homestead, PA Susan Semancik and Martha Slepak, Homestead, PA Sonia Woloshyn, Elizabeth, NJ

Senior and Junior A.C.R.Y. Chapter Achievement Award 1962 1963

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Senior Buffalo, NY Sharon, PA

Junior Homestead, PA Homestead, PA

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A.C.R.Y. Faces and Places 1964 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972

Binghamton, NY Binghamton, NY Sharon, PA Sharon, PA Johnstown, PA Ligonier, PA Rankin, PA

1973 1974 1975 1976

Rankin, PA Buffalo, NY Windber, PA Niles, IL and East Chicago, IN East Chicago, IN Windber, PA Washington, DC

1977 1978 1979

1980 1981 1982 1983

1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

244

Homestead, PA Homestead, PA Homestead, PA Binghamton,NY Binghamton, NY Johnstown, PA Buffalo, NY and Taylor, PA Windber, PA Youngstown, PA Buffalo, NY Wilpen, PA

Sharon, PA Ligonier, PA Buffalo, NY, Stratford, CT, Windber, PA Sharon, PA Stratford, CT Elizabeth, NJ Rankin, PA Elizabeth, NJ Morgantown, WV Elizabeth, NJ Monongahela/ Monongahela/ Jacobs Creek, PA Jacobs Creek, PA Binghamton, NY Elizabeth, NJ Johnstown, PA and New York, NY Homer City, PA Johnstown, PA Elizabeth, NJ Potomac, MD Monongahela/ Jacobs Creek,PA East Pittsburgh, PA Elizabeth, NJ Phoenixville, PA Monongahela/ Jacobs Creek,PA Homestead, PA Elizabeth, NJ Monongahela/ Potomac, MD Jacobs Creek, PA Johnstown, PA Elizabeth, NJ Potomac, MD Phoenixville, PA Elizabeth, NJ Phoenixville, PA Stratford, CT Elizabeth, NJ Elizabeth, NJ Phoenixville, PA Bayonne, NJ Binghamton, NY Elizabeth, NJ Phoenixville, PA Elizabeth, NJ Phoenixville, PA

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2013

Ambridge, PA Potomac, MD Bayonne, NJ Bayonne, NJ Nesquehoning, PA Bayonne, NJ Bayonne, NJ Binghamton, NY Nesquehoning, PA Phoenixville, PA Potomac, MD Bayonne, NJ

Elizabeth, NJ Binghamton, NY Elizabeth, NJ Binghamton, NY Binghamton, NY Elizabeth, NJ Elizabeth, NJ Elizabeth, NJ

A.C.R.Y. National Conventions Year Host—Location 1939 Johnstown, PA 1940 Perth Amboy, NJ Six Year Lapse 1947 Homestead, PA in Pittsburgh, PA 1948 Yonkers, NY in New York, NY 1949 East Chicago, IN and Chicago, IL 1950 Ambridge, PA 1951 Buffalo, NY 1952 Bridgeport, CT 1953 Taylor, PA and Scranton, PA 1954 New York, NY 1955 Akron, OH 1956 Binghamton, NY and Endicott, NY 1957 Homestead, PA in Pittsburgh, PA 1958 Nesquehoning, PA in Hazelton, PA 1959 Youngstown, OH 1960 Scranton, PA 1961 New Castle, PA 1962 Phoenixville, PA 1963 Homestead, PA in Pittsburgh, PA 1964 Perth Amboy, NJ 1965 Johnstown, PA 1966 Taylor, PA in Scranton, PA 1967 Pittsburgh, PA 1968 Perth Amboy, NJ 1969 Sharon, PA

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A.C.R.Y. Faces and Places 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

2020

Freeland, PA Rankin, PA Binghamton, NY Ligonier, PA Stratford, CT Buffalo, NY Perth Amboy, NJ Homestead, PA in Pittsburgh, PA Niles, IL Windber, PA in Seven Springs, PA New York, NY Rankin, PA Binghamton, NY Barton, OH in Pittsburgh, PA Johnstown, PA Morgantown, WV Potomac, MD East Pittsburgh, PA Homer City, PA in Indiana, PA Stratford, CT Ambridge, PA Phoenixville, PA Monongahela/Jacobs Creek, PA Bayonne, NJ Homestead, PA Binghamton, NY Hawk Run, PA Johnstown, PA Potomac, MD Scranton, PA New York, NY Elizabeth, NJ Warren, OH Pittsburgh District in Pittsburgh, PA Bayonne, NJ Binghamton, NY Warren, OH East Pittsburgh, PA Elizabeth, NJ Binghamton, NY Pittsburgh, PA Homestead, PA

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Johnstown, PA Niles, IL Phoenixville, PA Binghamton, NY Potomac, MD Homestead, PA Phoenixville, PA Taylor, PA

Bowling Tournaments Year Host—Location 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

Sharon, PA Homestead, PA Gary, IN Endicott, NY Johnstown, PA Endicott, NY Elizabeth, NJ New York, NY Buffalo, NY Taylor, PA Elizabeth, NJ Youngstown, OH Binghamton, NY Buffalo, NY Stratford, CT McKeesport, PA Binghamton, NY Sharon, PA Scranton, PA Homestead, PA Endicott, NY Taylor, PA Stratford, CT East Pittsburgh, PA Endicott, NY Central City, PA Elizabeth, NJ Pittsburgh, PA Binghamton, NY Johnstown, PA Stratford, CT

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A.C.R.Y. Faces and Places 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

246

East Chicago, IN Elizabeth, NJ Buffalo, NY Stratford, CT Sharon, PA East Chicago, IN Monongahela/Jacobs Creek, PA Binghamton, NY Elizabeth, NJ Endicott, NY New York, NY Potomac, MD Elizabeth, NJ East Chicago, IN Stratford, CT Danbury, CT Pittsburgh, PA Phoenixville, PA Stratford, CT Binghamton, NY

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Endicott, NY Homestead, PA Niles, IL Phoenixville, PA Eastern Seaboard District Johnstown, PA Potomac, MD Stratford, CT (Silver Lane) Pittsburgh, PA Phoenixville, PA Potomac, MD Stratford, CT Phoenixville, PA Ambridge, PA Elizabeth, NJ Stratford, CT Woodstock, GA Rockaway, NJ Perth Amboy, NJ Potomac, MD

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2019 A.C.R.Y. Award Recipients No Photo Available

No Photo Available

Juliana Z. Windber, PA

Peter H. Phoenixville, PA

Bianca K. Perth Amboy, NJ

Bryan B. Phoenixville, PA

Alexandra B. Perth Amboy, NJ

Rowan I. Taylor, PA

No Photo Available

Lauren F. Rockaway, NJ 2020

Sarah H. Monongahela, PA Diocesan Yearbook

Tatiana K. Phoenixville, PA 247

2019 A.C.R.Y. Award Recipients

Jordan P. Chapter-at-Large

Anastasia B. Perth Amboy, NJ

Find Your Local University OCF www.OCF.net

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A.C.R.Y. Activities

Faithful from Diocesan Parishes listen intently to one of the presentations at the Eastern Region A.C.R.Y. Lenten Retreat.

(Above) Fr. David Urban and Deacon Marc Wisnosky guide the young people during the Central Region A.C.R.Y. Lenten Retreat, while, (below) the young people are active participants in a discussion led by Fathers Matthew Stagon and William Bennett at the Eastern Region A.C.R.Y. Lenten Retreat.

2020

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A.C.R.Y. Activities

The Hospitality Room is always the place to mingle with friends old and new on Friday evening at the A.C.R.Y. Bowling Tournament.

Minute-to-Win-It games always bring out the competitive spirit in everyone.

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A.C.R.Y. Activities

The Sunday Divine Liturgy during the Bowling Tournament weekend took place at Holy Resurrection Church in Potomac, Maryland. There were multiple tonsures and elevations to the Sub-diaconate during the beautiful Divine Liturgy.

2020

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A.C.R.Y. Activities

Fr. John Brancho, Brian Smoley, Adam Zak, and Aaron Zak representing St. Nicholas Church in Homestead, Pennsylvania received 2nd place at the 2019 A.C.R.Y. Bowling Tournament. While the youngest winners of the weekend are depicted below.

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A.C.R.Y. Activities

The Hospitality Room was a busy place as the A.C.R.Y. Convention began on Friday evening hosted by Chapter #21, Taylor, Pennsylvania.

(To the left) National A.C.R.Y President Rachel Pribish offers a few remarks during one of the meetings held in the Pennslyvania Anthracite Heritage Museum.

(To the right) Metropolitan Gregory and Joshua Loposky take part in the beautiful Moleben to the Mother of God in the presence of the Kardiotissa at St. George Church in Taylor, Pennsylvania.

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A.C.R.Y. Activities

Fr. Miles Zdinak is shown anointing John Puzakulics with Myrrh which has miraculously streamed from the icon of the Kardiotissa for more than eight years.

Nicholas teaches his dad a few moves on the dance floor during the Saturday evening festivities at the National A.C.R.Y. Convention.

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A.C.R.Y. Activities

(above) Young people piously participated in the powerful Divine Liturgy together with Metropolitan Gregory and Diocesan Clergy (below) offered on Sunday morning at the A.C.R.Y. Convention in St. George Church in Taylor, Pennsylvania.

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A.C.R.Y. Activities

National Officers Jordan Polanichka and Paul Zdinak organize the efforts of Junior A.C.R.Y. Members as they put together 605 Hygiene Kits during their Retreat at Camp Nazareth.

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First Holy Confessions

Kristina Kucher and Alexander Lucas made their First Holy Confession at St. Mary Church in Morgantown, West Virginia. They are shown with Parish Priest, Fr. George Ellis and their Sunday School Teacher, Barbara Ruschak.

(left to right) Grace B., Ethan T., and Anna B. completed their First Holy Confession at St. Nicholas Church in Homestead, Pennsylvania. They are pictured with their Sunday School Teacher, Andrea Urban, Parish Priest Fr. R. Michael Zak, and Deacon Artemius Steinstra.

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First Holy Confessions

(left to right) Jovie B. and Marina K. completed their First Holy Confession at St. John the Baptist Church in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania. Parish Priest is Fr. Robert Teklinski.

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First Holy Confessions

Children from St. Nicholas Church in Monongahela, Pennsylvania completed instruction and received their First Holy Confession. They are shown with Parish Priest, Fr. Ed Pehanich.

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First Holy Confessions

Young men from St. John the Baptist Church in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania completed their First Holy Confession. Parish Priest is Fr. Joseph Fester.

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First Holy Confessions

These Sunday School Students made their First Confession at St. Nicholas Church in New York City (Tenth Street), New York. They are shown with Parish Priest Fr. William Bennett, and visiting clergy Fr. Peter Zarynow.

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First Holy Confessions

Young ladies from Holy Ghost Church in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania completed their First Holy Confession. They are shown with Parish Priest, Fr. Peter Paproski.

Jude completed his First Holy Confession at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Windber, Pennsyvlania. Parish Priest is Fr. Miles Zdinak.

Lucillia M. and Jessica W. completed their First Holy Confession at St. John the Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Parish Priest is Fr. David Urban.

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Graduates

Graduates Stephen Sudik and Christopher Dzubak were honored at Holy Resurrection Church in Potomac, Maryland. They are shown with Parish Priest, Fr. Peter Zarynow and Fr. John Fedornock.

Parish Graduates (left to right) Anastasia Benc, Kayla Spencer, and Kevin Freidman are shown together with Deacon Gregory Benc, Fr. Michael Chendorain, and Sub-deacon Andrew Wythe at St. John the Baptist Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

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Graduates

Jonah Strenski was honored by the faithful of Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on his college graduation. He is shown with his grandfather, Fr. Frank Miloro, Diocesan Chancellor.

High School Graduates Juliana and Han- Parish Graduates shown together with nah were honored by Saints Peter and Parish Priest, Fr. Michael Kabel at St. Paul Church in Windber, Pennsylavnia.

Nicholas Church in Barton, Ohio.

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Graduates

The faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, New Jersey honored Parish Graduates, Gregory Lion, Andrew Newkirk, and Ryan Newkirk upon their High School Graduation. Parish Priest is Fr. Matthew Stagon.

Nathaniel Fedornock was honored by the Mothers and Daughters Guild of St. Nicholas Church in Homestead, Pennsylvania as the recipient of their St. Aquilina Scholarship. Parish Priest is Fr. R. Michael Zak. 2020

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Graduates

Parish Graduates (left to right) Victoria Karavitis, Nicoletta Sodini, Vasilios Karavitis, and Monika Kapron Waligora were honored by the faithful of St. Michael Church in Niles, Illinois. They are shown with Parish Council President, Wesley Stinich and Parish Priest Fr. Samuel Sherry.

Parish Graduates were honored at St. George Church in Taylor, Pennsylvania.

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Graduates

Graduates of St. Nicholas Church in New York (Tenth Street), New York were honored by their parish family. They are shown with Parish Priest Fr. William Bennett and Fr. Alexandre Ioukliaevskikh.

Stephanie Losito was honored by the faithful of Descent of the Holy Spirit Church in Schererville, Indiana upon the completion of her Masters Degree from Ball State University in Educational Psychology.

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The Healing Power of Saint Nectarios By: Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly

I

was overjoyed, humbled and excited to have been asked to travel with Bishop Nicholas in 1991 to Eastern Europe and Greece. It was to be two weeks in then, Czechoslovakia and Ukraine and one week in Greece.

We were going to investigate the situation of the Orthodox Church in our homeland after the Velvet Revolution and then spend a week in Greece to bring back relics of one the newest of the Orthodox Church, Saint Nectarios. Little did I know what a great role St. Nectarios would be in my life and the life of my family.

I had heard of St. Nectarios from Metropolitan Nicholas and had read that he was a recently canonized saint of the Orthodox Church. I read as much as I could on Saint Nectarios. I had found out that he was a Bishop of the Orthodox Church who had suffered greatly from false accusations and the hatred of envious and jealous 268

brother clergy. In spite of these vicious attacks on his character, St. Nectarios was known for his love, his patience, and his humility. He was a man of God who subjected himself to the Church and the Truth; a man who lived the passage of turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

There was much written about miracles attributed to him of curing those with cancer, of helping barren woman become pregnant and also those in great need. For me, here was a saint not from centuries ago, but one who lived within our own century and whom God was actively working through.

There was great hope of what this saintly Bishop could mean for us as a people of our God-saved Diocese. I was humbled that then, Bishop Nicholas had asked me to travel with him that summer to go to Greece, specifically to Aegina to bring back relics and

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The Healing Power of Saint Nectarios holy oil from the tomb of St. Nectarios.

I had never seen, never touched an actual relic of a saint before. We were able to walk the grounds of the convent that St. Nectarios had started.

We were able to venerate the tomb where his body was and to visit the small side chapel where his skull was encased in a golden reliquary. Bishop Nicholas was able to return with relics, piece of his riassa, candles and cotton that he had touched to skull of St. Nectarios and oil from lamps that burn before his relics.

It was less than year after my return from our overseas trip, that our second child, our daughter Anastasia, who was only two and half years old, suffered a stroke. It is heartbreaking to see any child, never mind your own Line drawing of Saint Nectarios done by child, suffer. It was even more alarmthe hand of Christopher Mihaly ing because she had just begun speaking in full sentences and the stroke brought about her stroke. As a father affected her speech center. driving back and forth from the hospiBy the grace of God, I had recently tal, I thought of all those things that buried a parishioner who had died she would miss if she died; her fist from a cerebral aneurism, and I had date, her prom, her high school gradunoticed that my daughter was having ation, her marriage, her own children. similar facial paralysis that my parish- Of course these were all selfish things ioner did. We took her immediately that I was going to miss but nonetheto the hospital and after many hours less these were thoughts racing of testing it was determined that she through my mind. was having a stroke.

All this happened only days before a Three days later she came down with chicken pox and the best that could be diagnosed was that her immune system had misread the chicken pox which caused a clot to form and 2020

scheduled Lenten visit of His Grace, Bishop Nicholas to our deanery and our parish for a Lenten Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. As a deanery event there were going to be many people in at-

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The Healing Power of Saint Nectarios tendance. Some suggested that the visit be canceled, but what more would one need than the presence of the Chief Shepherd to a deanery and parish in need. I wanted not less, but more the presence of God. Through the pastoral compassion of His Grace Bishop Nicholas, he quietly visited my daughter and my wife, who was constantly at my daughter’s bed side in the hospital. He came to the hospital along with our Dean, Fr. John Duranko and prayed over her.

Bishop Nicholas anointed Anastasia with oil from St. Nectarios tomb, the same oil that Bishop Nicholas and I had brought back from Aegina not more than a year before. It was a humbling experience; one that His Grace would actually come to the hospital, but then this is what Bishop Nicholas often did on his Diocesan pastoral visits to parishes. He would visit the sick and the elderly on his parish visitation. Living the Gospel account of the last judgement “I was sick and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36). Few are the Bishops who understand their prime 270

pastoral duty even as Bishops to visit their sheep, even those sick and alone.

Secondly, that this saint, Nectarios, whom I barely knew, would visit my family in a time of need and crisis. For many the priest’s family is supposed to be above this. But in reality, we became an example of what it means to subject ourselves to the Grace of God. We had no thought that our child would survive and so we humbly submitted to the visit of His Grace, Bishop Nicholas, who came with the healing grace of St. Nectarios through his sacred oil.

Thus, we were privileged to experience God’s healing grace through the oil that I was so richly blessed to bring back.

You see Priests are not supposed to have problems. Priests are supposed to have all the answers. Priests are supposed to have solid unfaltering faith in the face of all trials and tribulations. But I was cut to the quick. You see it wasn’t an elderly parent or someone who had struggled a long time with a grave illness. It was my child, my daughter, only two and half years old. Not even in the prime of

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The Healing Power of Saint Nectarios life. But then again I thought of St. Nectarios and what he had gone through. He was struck down in his life, both his reputation and in the final months his own health was taken away from him. Here was a saint who knew my devastation, he understood the helplessness that my wife and I were undergoing. It was only through the Grace of God and the supplications of his saint, Nectarios, and through the compassion and love exhibited tangibly by His Grace Bishop Nicholas that I knew deep down in my heart of heart that my daughter would be all right, no matter the outcome.

You see we often seek outcomes. If God answers my prayers by giving me what I want then I will believe that God loves me. But sometimes God gives us something we do not expect, sometimes things very painful.

he was rejected, slandered, envied and hated by his brother clergy. Did he turn his back on God? No, he accepted what was given to him and he followed the path of love and forgiveness. This led him to greater things than just becoming Patriarch.

Instead, he became a Saint of the Church; greater than any patriarchal throne or glory.

For my daughter, in time she healed.

Through many months of physical and occupational therapy she is doing fine now. A mother herself who, along with her husband, also experienced a life-threatening scare with their own child. But through the prayers of St. Nectarios and the Mother of God, they too have come to know the saving presence of God through his saints.

The question is do we still love God? Do we trust Him? Do we believe in Him? Now I knew what Job meant when he said, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.� (Job 1:21) Was I willing to say this same thing as Job despite what was happening to my daughter? Was I willing to Love despite my daughter and my plans for her potentially being ripped from me?

Is this not what St. Nectarios experienced? He was doing exactly what he thought God wanted him to do. He was a good, loving, compassionate bishop. Fulfilling in all ways exactly what God expected of him. And yet, 2020

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

Anna Benyo celebrated her 97th Birthday together with the faithful from St. Nicholas Church in New York (Tenth Street), New York. Parish Priest is Fr. William Bennett.

Julie Hallahan was honored by the faithful of St. John the Baptist Church in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania on the occasion of her 90th Birthday with not one but two cakes!

John and Sonya Wojtovich celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at St. Michael Church in Niles, Illinois. Parish Priest is Fr. Samuel Sherry.

Barbara Kmech of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, New Jersey was honored by her community in celebration of her 90th Birthday.

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

Robert and Trona Paganico were honored on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary at St. Nicholas Church in Homestead, Pennsylvania. They are shown with Parish Priest, Fr. R. Michael Zak.

(To the left) Michael and Anna Coffman celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary. They are members of Descent of the Holy Spirit Church in Schererville, Indiana.

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Birthdays and Anniversaries

Charlie Gaydos (the Senior Altar Server) is pictured with the rest of the Altar Servers of St. Nicholas Church in New York (Tenth Street), New York on the occasion of his 90th Birthday.

Agnes Mihalko was honored by the faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Windber, Pennsylvania on the occasion of her 90th Birthday.

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New Diocesan Faces

Hector Fontanez, Stephanie Dobosz, and David Dobosz were received into the Orthodox Faith at St. Nicholas Church in New York (Tenth Street), New York.

Asher was baptized at Saints Peter Bennett H. was baptized at St. Nicholas and Paul Church in Windber, Church in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania.

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New Diocesan Faces

Dana was received into the Ortho- Zechariah K. was baptized at St. John the dox Faith at Saints Peter and Paul Baptist Church in East Pittsburgh, PennsylvaChurch in Windber, Pennsylvania. nia.

Cousins Xenia and Payton S. were baptized together at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Rockaway, New Jersey.

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The Lily of Aegina: The Life of Saint Nectarios of Aegina

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nastasios Kephalas, son of Dimosthenis and Vassiliki, was born on October 1st, 1846, in Eastern Selyvria of Thrace (Now Turkey). He was one of six children. His parents were very poor but pious Christians who brought up their children according to the teachings of our Church. When his mother taught him Psalm 50, he liked to repeat the verse: I shall teach thy ways unto the wicked and sinners shall be converted unto thee. His early years were spent at the local elementary school in Selyvria. Upon completion of his school curriculum there were no schools in the area for him to continue his academic studies and he was too poor to study abroad. But he did have a thirst for knowledge and a love of God. This love urged him on for he wanted to become a theologian. He wanted to 2020

educate himself so that he could love the Lord even more, and as such, serve him better. Saddened by the state of poverty that his parents were in and urged by his ever-growing love for our Lord Jesus Christ, at the age of fourteen and with his parents’ blessings, Anastasios went to Constantinople to find work for their financial assistance and in hope that he would be able to continue his studies and fulfill his dreams.

The young Anastasios set off then for the seaport where he would board a boat to Constantinople. He was faced with a problem, however. Anastasios did not have the money to pay the required fare for the boat. Nevertheless, as the boat for Constantinople was ready to sail Anastasios bravely walked up to the captain and asked to take him along. The captain, however,

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The Lily of Aegina seeing him so young, said to him jokingly, "Take a walk, my little one, and when you come back I will take you."

The boy understood what the captain was actually telling him, and began to walk away sadly. The captain turned on the engines in order to sail. The engines were propelling, but the boat would not move. He increased the power to the engines, but to no avail.

Even at full throttle, the ship still would not move. In his helplessness the captain glanced up, and his eyes met the gaze of the boy who was standing on the shore in sorrow.

Against his will he was moved and, relenting, he told the boy to get on the boat. Anastasios jumped into the boat, and the captain again became engrossed in how to make the ship move. But he did not have a chance to worry long, for it began to move immediately, since it had received its "special passenger."

The ship rushed along now in open sea on route to Constantinople and the crew conducted a ticket inspection. The young boy became terrified since he did not have a ticket nor any money to purchase one. He looked about for the captain who knew his secret but he had stepped away. “I will tell the truth�, he thought to himself.

When asked for his ticket he said, "I am poor. I have no money. I have left my poor parents to seek work, so that I can help them." His cheeks glowed red for Anastasios was very embarrassed. But, as our Lord does not abandon those who believe in Him, 278

the sailors felt sorry for young Anastasios and let him go. Other passengers heard his story and went to his aid.

They listened to his story, his problems. One man in particular, a cousin of a very rich man, John Horemis was particularly impressed by the young boy’s courage and dedication.

Sure enough, young Anastasios Kephalas reached the port of Constantinople and the very next day went looking for work. But he found mostly rejection and indifference. Eventually he found employment in a factory with a tobacco merchant. However, he was a young boy and his pay would barely be enough for his daily meals as he walked about barefoot and with ragged clothes. He found his comfort in prayer for he had much faith in God. The boy did not become entangled in worldly cares, but fixed his mind entirely upon building up the inner man in the image of Christ by prayer and meditation on the writings of the Holy Fathers. With his childlike mind and guileless heart, when he saw that his employer wrote and received many letters in his business, Anastasios also wanted to write a letter, for he had much to say. But to whom? He had no acquaintances. He could not write to his mother, because mail was not taken to the small villages. Yet he felt the need to write. He wanted to write grievances. To tell how he would work and they would not pay him. How he wanted to eat and be clothed and the money would not suffice. He did not abandon his

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The Lily of Aegina hope in God, and one day in order to make his prayer more living, he thought of writing a letter to Christ and telling him of his needs. And truly, he lost no time. He took a pencil and paper and wrote: “My Little Christ, I do not have an apron or shoes. Please send them to me. You know how much I love You. Anastasios” He sealed the letter with confidence and wrote on the envelope: "To the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven." He took his letter and went to mail it right away. On the way, by divine economy, he met the owner of a merchant shop that was opposite where he worked.

This man knew him well and, knowing very well of the boy's innocence and diligence, had come to feel great compassion for him. He also was going to the post office. "Anastasios, where are you going?”, he said to the boy. Anastasios became troubled and whispered something, holding the letter in his hands. "Give it to me so I can mail it, and you won't have to go all the way." Frightened and unthinking, the little Anastasios gave him the letter. The merchant took the letter with much love, patted him on the head and told him not to worry while he put the letter in his pocket with his own other letters. He told Anastasios to go back and that he would take care to mail the letter safely.

good and exceptional boy. As he was about to mail the letter the merchant noticed the address noted on Anastasios’s letter. Thunderstruck, he stopped and, conquered by the temptation of curiosity, opened and read it. He was overwhelmed with emotion as the man began to cry. He put an amount of money into an envelope and sent it, anonymously, to the boy along with fatherly advice on how the money could be spent wisely. Anastasios was filled with joy when he received it, and gave many thanks to God. The next day Anastasios set out to purchase new clothes. Upon his return, his employer noticed him and thought that the boy had stolen the money from him. Therefore, he was going to beat him and fire him. But Anastasios cried: "I have never stolen anything in my life! Don't hit me! My little Christ sent them to me!" The merchant across the street overheard the commotion and took Anastasios' employer to the side in order to explain the matter to him.

Therefore, as a shop assistant of a tobacco merchant Anastasios spent long and hard hours. He started early and finished late but somehow made the time to continue his studies late at night. He read as much as he could the Holy Scriptures and Writings of the Holy Fathers, and made a collection of wise sayings, which he used to write on the paper used to wrap his Anastasios cheerfully returned to his customers' goods since he did not work, and the merchant continued on have the money to buy paper. Later his way full of happiness over that he worked as a teacher of the lower 2020

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The Lily of Aegina grades in the orphanage of the All- and especially through his holy way of life, to the pious Christian people.

Holy Sepulchre.

Nectarios Kephalas had only completWhen he was twenty, Anastasios, now ed elementary school, therefore, Ela handsome young man, went to the der Pachomios convinced him to Island of Chios where he was appointcomplete his high school studies in ed teacher at a village named Lithi.

Athens. This was made possible He was always present at church serthrough the financial support of a vices and was never far from those in wealthy local benefactor, Mr John need. All who knew him spoke with Horemis. the highest regards for Anastasios as he had earned much respect for his John Horemis was the uncle of that wisdom and example as he tirelessly unknown man who was on the boat served his church and community and when the young Nectarios was travelinstilled in his students the Word of ling to Constantinople, those many God. Seven years later, at the age of years ago. Horemis had heard of Nec30, he entered the great and re- tarios and wished to meet him. With nowned monastery of Nea Moni for the help of God it was not long before Anastasios had long yearned for the a meeting was arranged. Horemis' first monastic life for it would allow him to impressions were excellent. He wantstudy the Holy Scriptures ever-harder ed to find someone to sponsor, to and fullfill his dream of the priest- educate, with the aim of leading hood. After completing three years as Greece's uneducated masses. He saw a novice under the care of the venera- in Nectarios not only the man for the ble Elder Pachomios, on November job but a man who he could totally 7, 1875, he became a monk and re- trust. Eventually Horemis told Necceived the name of Lazarus in his ton- tarios of his plans. Nectarios gratefully sure. Even harder now he studied, accepted. prayed and fasted day and night.

So Nectarios Kephalas went to Athens Many nights he would pray till sunrise to begin his studies and upon finishing without sleep and then continue praywent to Alexandria in Egypt, near the ing for the rest of the day. Two years Patriarch Sophronios, carrying with later he was ordained deacon by Methim the excellent reference of his ropolitan Gregory of Chios, due to his sponsor John Horemis. great virtues and his piety. It was at his ordination as deacon that he was given The Patriarch was deeply impressed the name Nectarios. Truly it was a with the humility and the holiness of prophetic name, a name that would Nectarios. The Patriarch asked him if give one an intimation of the divine he wanted to continue his studies at nectar that the Holy Father was to the Theological school in Athens, so become, through his holy sermons, that he could then return and take 280

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The Lily of Aegina better care of the needs of the Orthodox Christians of Alexandria. Nectarios accepted and duly enrolled at the school. Day and night Nectarios thanked God for everything. He prayed for Sophronios and all who had helped him.

It was at this time that Nectarios Kephalas lost his close friend and benefactor-John Horemis. But thanks to the generosity of this pious islander and to the protection of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nectarios Kephalas was able to complete his studies in Athens and to obtain the diploma of the Faculty of Theology.

In 1885, he arrived in Alexandria where he was soon ordained Priest, then consecrated Metropolitan of Pentapolis (an ancient diocese in Cyrenaica, in what is now Libya). He was appointed preacher and secretary to the Patriarch, whose representative he became in Cairo, where he had charge of the Church of Saint Nicholas.

andria, and amongst the Bishops and higher clergy. They did not like St. Nectarios because he was different from them. For this reason they slandered him to the Patriarch, Sophronios, saying that the holy Father had his eye upon the Patriarchal Throne, because he had this "false show of piety," as they called it. They did not want to recognize his true virtue and unmatched spiritual beauty. Instead they said that all his virtue was only a show so that he would be considered holy by the people. He was accused of using his popularity with the people to dethrone the Patriarch. Since our Holy Father was truly so popular with the people, the Patriarch was easily convinced that he was in danger. For if the people rose up, truly Nectarios would have much power. Little did they know the true worth of the man. Little did they understand that he was not a proud man, and not ambitious, as they were, for positions and for power and for glory. The Saint made no attempt to justify himself but placed all his hope in the promise of Christ who has said:

Our venerable Saint Nectarios lost nothing of his humility through these honors, and was able to inspire his flock with zeal for the evangelic virBlessed are you when men revile you tues. and persecute you and utter all kinds But the love and admiration of the of evil against you falsely on my acpeople for him turned to his disad- count (Matthew 5:11). vantage. Because of his holy virtues, In this way, and for such reasons, they because of the spotless life that he led, suspended the Holy Father as Metrobecause of his holy sermons, and bepolitan of the throne of Pentapolis. cause of all those things which made The Patriarch himself, who was a very him stand out, immediately malice great "friend" of the Father, wrote that arose among his colleagues who were ambiguous letter of suspension, which also Metropolitans of the See of Alexlater became the cause of much scan2020

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The Lily of Aegina dal, saying that for "reasons known to the Patriarchate" he was suspended from the Metropolis of Pentapolis, but that he was allowed to remain at the Patriarchate and to eat at the common table. This way he could become wearied of St. Nectarios and mistreat him. St. Nectarios was essentially deprived of all means of lodge and shelter. If St. Nectarios was called by individuals to bless marriages or baptisms, he could officiate only if canonical permission was granted by the Bishops in those places, or by the Patriarchate. Thus, he was not defrocked per say, nor was he suspended from ecclesiastical functions, but he was taken away from his throne to be without position. The Holy Father very humbly endured these slanders and the suspension from his throne but because he was popular with the people, there were grumblings and intrigues that arose from the people to demand what was the cause for the Holy Father's suspension. But so ever venerable was our Holy Father, that he secretly left for Greece, so that his popularity would not be a disturbance in the Church of Alexandria. He was given a letter of dismissal that only complicated matters since those against him knew that they would be embarrassed if the truth were known about the true matter of his dismissal.

Therefore, they sent letters, both anonymous and signed, to influential people in Greece, slandering the Father as being unethical and immoral, that he was not an upright person, and that for these reasons he was suspend282

ed from his position.

Alone, ignored and despised, our Holy Father embarked for Athens. Many days he would lack even his daily bread, as he kept nothing for himself and gave all the little that he had to the poor. When the Saint appeared in Athens with this paper of suspension and with the negative rumors already broadcasted before he even arrived, there was truly cause for most people to believe that there must have been good reason for his suspension. For behold, they saw a paper which said that he was suspended "for reasons known to the Patriarchate," Hence, when bad rumors go around about someone, outsiders to the situation usually fall victims of believing them.

Such was the case with our Saint as both the state and the Church authorities refused to give him a position in the Church of Greece. St. Nectarios was left without means of support, a stranger amongst his own, without lodging, without food, without even the most simple means of subsistence.

Every day he would go to the office of the Minister of Religion so that something might be done for him and every day he was turned away. He thought about going to Mount Athos for monastic retreat but gave up the idea as he wanted to help others more than he wanted to help himself.

The Lord does not abandon those who trust in Him, and one day as our Holy Father was sadly going down the stairs of the office of the Minister, having been once more that his case was

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The Lily of Aegina was being looked into, and that they would let him know when something came up. He was met by a friend who had known him in Egypt, and knew his former glory and virtue. He was surprised to see him in such a state, and very saddened. When he learned the cause of his sadness, he could scarcely believe it. He went and interceded with the Minister of Religion and Education, and they appointed the Saint to be preacher of the Diocese of Vitineia and Euboiea.

Can one imagine? The former Metropolitan of Pentapolis now a mere preacher! Something which a simple monk can do. Something which even a layman that has a gift can be given permission by the Synod to do. Yet he did not at all think that this was humiliating for him, or that it was a small thing. His yearning and desire to help others made him consider this opportunity as one of the greatest things‌to be able to preach the Word of God to the people. He did not consider that he was merely given a crumb from the table that was being thrown down to him as if he were a dog, but he immediately took it up and, putting his heart into it, became earnest in his work of preaching to the people. Thus he arrived on the Island of Euboiea, and there he began to preach from one church to the other.

But rumors of our Father’s slanders had reached Euboiea too about this just and blameless Saint who asked nothing for himself and everything for others. Many times when he was 2020

preaching, people would begin to smirk and laugh and whisper to the degree of causing commotion. At the beginning the Saint did not understand, for he was truly a humble and simple man. Later he understood that they were talking about him, and that they were laughing about him because of the slanders of being immoral and unethical. Thus he saw that, instead of fortifying souls, instead of edifying souls, instead of being able to really teach the Word of God, he was doing harm. The people believed the rumors, and when they heard him preach good things, they were more scandalized than if he did not preach at all. Therefore, even though he had no other means of support except this position which had been given to him, he resigned from his own will in order to not further scandalize the people,

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The Lily of Aegina and returned to Athens.

preaching and serving regularly the holy Mysteries, at the School as well as By that time there were a few people in the greater Athens region. who had come to know him and to understand that he was truly a good However, there glowed in the depths man that had been slandered. They of his heart a burning love for the had come to love him because they peace and quiet of life in the monasdid not see in his way of life or in his teries. Seeing that there was much ado conversation anything that would evi- in the capital, many intrigues, many dence the things that were slandered words, much noise spiritually and about in Egypt. These people were physically, he, being a quiet person, influential in having him appointed wished to retire from all this and go to Dean of the Rizarios Seminary in Ath- a place where he could be with God ens. He would liturgize in the semi- and pray according to his heart. Thus nary church of St. George, the Great he began to look around outside AthMartyr and Trophy-Bearer, as a Bish- ens to find a suitable place. He went op-Priest. The clergy and students at to the island of Aegina where he Rizarios were well aware of the ru- heard that there were many small mors surrounding Holy Father but monasteries and churches that were in how ever able was he to gain the love disuse. This led him to respond warmand respect of those around him. He ly to the desire expressed by some of would teach the students, for he was his spiritual daughters that he should truly a wise man and very learned, as found a women’s monastery on this is shown by the many works which he island. This he did between 1904 and has left us on the state of the souls and 1907 and he retired there in 1908, on the resurrection of bodies. About why his resignation as director of the we have the memorial services, and Rizarios School. In Aegina, about two many other subjects. The School’s hours by foot from the main city down spiritual and intellectual standing rose by the sea, He founded a little church rapidly under his direction. The stu- which was once a small monastery dents found in him a teacher with a dedicated in honor of the Most Holy deep knowledge of Scripture, of the Trinity. With his own hands the FaHoly Fathers, and even of secular ther began to rebuild a few of the cells learning, and a director who exercised that were around the little church. A his authority with great kindness and blind nun, Xenia, at that time came to consideration. His administrative and know the Father, and he respected her teaching responsibilities – he taught very much. He made her Mother Supastoral theology – did not prevent perior of the first little community. A him as a monk from living a life of few other souls came, and thus the ascesis, meditation and prayer, nor Holy Father Nectarios with the blind from fulfilling the high calling of mother and these few souls began 284

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The Lily of Aegina their little convent. Despite countless cares and difficulties, Saint Nectarios saw to the restoration of a type of life that was wholly in the spirit of the ancient Fathers. He gave his utmost bodily and spiritual strength to the construction of the buildings, to divine service and to the spiritual direction of each one of his disciples. Because the Father was truly a gifted man, especially in the matter of confession, many would flock to him even from the capital. Thus he truly became a light on the island of Aegina and the foremost confessor and spiritual father of the country of Greece at his time.

Through the help of his spiritual children and donations of the other people who came to understand their godly way of life, they were able to expand their little convent so that little by little a community of thirty nuns was gathered.

They would often see him in his wornout cassock working in the garden or, when he disappeared for many hours, they would guess he had shut himself in his cell to raise his intellect to God by bringing it down into his heart, to taste there the sweetness of the holy Name of Jesus. Although he desired to flee all contact with the world and strictly limited visits to the Monastery, the fame of his virtues and of his Godgiven graces spread in the region, and the faithful were drawn to him like iron to a magnet. He healed many from their sicknesses, and brought rain to the island in a time of draught.

He comforted, consoled and encouraged. He became a true miracle worker through Christ who dwelt in him by the Grace of the Holy Spirit. He kept company with the Saints and with the Mother of God, and they often appeared to him during the Holy Liturgy or in his cell. During the difficult years that followed the First World War, he taught his nuns to rely from day to day on the mercy of God. He utterly forbade them to keep any food in reserve for their use, instructing them to give away to the poor everything that remained over. Saint Nectarios also found time to write a large number of works on theology, ethics and Church history, in order to strengthen the Church of Greece in the Holy Tradition of the Fathers, which was often unknown in those days because of Western influences.

The Saint would say: "I am building a lighthouse for you, and God will put a light in it that shall shine unto the breadth and length of the whole world. Many shall see the light and come here to Aegina." But the nuns could not understand what he was trying to tell them. It was only after the recovery of his holy relics and miracles that he began working in such abundance that they understood. He meant that his way of life, his very holy body, were the lighthouse, and if God pleased He would send his light, and it would shine throughout. Thus the words which the Saint used to say to Saint Nectarios lived like an angel in the flesh with the rays of the uncreated them have been fulfilled.

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The Lily of Aegina light shining around him, yet once again he was calumniated by certain members of the hierarchy who made malicious accusations about his monastery. He bore these latter trials with the patience of Christ, meekly and without complaint as he did the painful illness which afflicted him for more that eighteen months before he spoke of it. He thanked God for putting him to the test in this way, and did his best to keep the pain he suffered secret until the last days of his life. After a final pilgrimage to an icon of the Mother of God venerated not far from the monastery, he told his disciples of his coming departure for Heaven.

Therefore, on the afternoon of September 20, 1920, a nun by the name of Euphemia brought a little rassa-clad old man, who was convulsed with pain, to the Aretaieion Hospital of Athens, a state hospital for the poor.

The intern of the hospital asked the nun for information about the little old man so that he may register and enter into the hospital register. "He is a monk?"

self, "without Panagia, gold cross, and - most significant of all -- without money!" “Indeed he is a Bishop,” repeated the nun. “The Metropolitan of Pentapolis. This Metropolis belongs to the Patriarchate of Alexandria. He is the Most Reverend Nectarios Kephalas.

Some time ago he left Egypt and came here, close to you, as a matter of fact, because he directed Rizarios School.

For some years now, however, he has lived as a monk in the Convent of the Holy Trinity on Aegina. There he became gravely ill and in spite of his protests, we brought him here.” She then showed the intern his credentials which proved him to be the Metropolitan.

The intern of the hospital, amazed by everything he had heard and seen, shrugged his shoulders and told the nurses to place the sick man in a thirdclass room where there were several beds for the destitute. The doctors diagnosed that the sick little old man was suffering from severe systitis, a disease of the bladder. For two months the Hierarch Nectarios Kephalas lived in the midst of terrible “No. A Bishop.” pains, and at ten thirty in the evening The intern laughed sarcastically. of the eighth of November, 1920, in “Leave off the joking, Mother. Tell peace and at prayer he gave up his me his name so I can put it in the reg- spirit unto God at the age of seventyister.” four.

“He is a Bishop, my child. He is the In the final days of his life, the Saint Most Reverend Metropolitan of Pen- was kept in the ward of the incurable tapolis.” in the midst of many poor, sick peo“For the first time in my life I see a ple who were about to die. Next to his Bishop,” muttered the intern to him- bed there was a man who had been paralyzed for many years. As soon as 286

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The Lily of Aegina the Saint gave up his spirit, a nurse of the hospital and the nun who had accompanied him prepared his sacred tabernacle for the transfer to Aegina for burial. For this purpose they dressed the Saint in clean clothing.

When they took off the Saint's sweater, they placed it on the bed of the paralytic to get it out of their way and continued preparing the Saint's body.

And O, strange wonder!, the paralytic immediately began to gain strength and arose from his bed healthy, glorifying God. The day he reposed, the whole hospital was filled with such a fragrance that all the patients, nurses, and doctors would come out in the halls to ask where such a fragrance was coming from. For some days after, they could not use the room where they placed his relics because of the fragrance, even though they kept the windows opened, so strong was the fragrance.

This room is now a chapel dedicated to the Saint.

They took his relics to Piraeus and put them in the Church of the Holy Trinity while they prepared a small, wooden coffin. From there they took him to Aegina where they gave him a simple burial at the Convent of the Holy Trinity.

Some years later, as is the custom in Greece, his grave was opened to take the relics out. When they opened the grave, what should they see but that the Saint was whole and fragrant. Not even his vestments had changed in any way. It was just as if he had fallen asleep and been buried that very day.

They had not told the people of Aegina, because he had already worked many miracles and become very beloved, and a very large crowd would have gathered -- even from Athens and other places where he was known

The hospital bed of Saint Nectarios at the Aretaieion Hospital in Athens.

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The Lily of Aegina publicly confess her sins.

Thus she was corrected and became a prudent and Christian woman in her way of life.

At that time they telegraphed to Athens to the Archbishop Chrysostom Papadopoulos, and he went to the island to see the relics for himself. After examining the relics, he irreverently counseled the -- for the opening of his grave. So, earnuns to leave the relics out in the sun ly in the morning, as soon as they and air for two or three days and then were finished with the Divine Liturgy, rebury him so that he would dissolve. as it was dawning they went and began to open the grave. At the same time Thus it is with those who pretend to there was a taxi coming by on the road be pious, and yet in their hearts have below the convent. Inside was a wom- but the smell of corruption, the stench an who had been to some resort of death. They cannot understand the place. She was not a woman of good things of God, but blaspheme against repute, but of ill repute and many sins. the very Holy Spirit by such words As soon as they approached the Holy and actions. The nuns, fearing the Trinity Convent, there was such a fra- censure of the Archbishop and also grance in the air that she told the driv- being simple, did as they were told. er, “Stop. What is that fragrance?” So For two days they put him outside in he stopped and looked around. "Oh," the sun and air and then reburied he replied, “here is the convent of the him. But within a month or two they Holy Nectarios. What else could such opened the grave a second time and a fragrance be but that they are open- took out the relics which were still ing his grave today, and the fragrance whole and put them in a marble saris coming from the grave. For many cophagus. times a fragrance came from his body In 1934, fourteen years after the rebefore they buried him. And even pose of the Saint, a doctor was coming from the grave it comes sometimes.” from one of the villages on horseback Immediately she opened the door of and was caught in a very heavy rain in the taxi and ran to go and see. She the area of the convent. He got down went up to the convent at the moment from his horse and went and stood that they had opened the coffin and under a tree. It was raining so hard found the relics whole. She was very that he saw it would not let up for a moved by this and by the fragrance, long time. Therefore, he decided that especially. She began to weep and 288

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The Lily of Aegina as there was nowhere else nearby, he might as well go to the convent. He had known Holy Father Nectarios while he was living, but being a man who did not believe much in such things, he did not reverence the Father much. So he went and knocked at the convent and the nuns opened and put him up for the night. It was evening, and they would not keep any man inside the convent, even the Priest of the convent, as it is forbidden by the canons, but they had a little place outside for guests. But as the gates of the convent had not yet closed, he wanted to investigate what he had heard about miracles and incorrupt relics now that he had come to the convent. So he went while it was still light to where the sarcophagus was outside of the church. He began to pull off the heavy marble slab which was on top, as it was not fastened in any manner. He pulled it down to the waist of the Saint. At that very moment a nun happened to come by, and she began to cry out, “What are you doing there? What are you doing, opening our Elder's grave?" And he replied, "I just wanted to take a look.”

“But you did not have permission,” she insisted and began making a commotion. But in the meantime anyway, he investigated the relics. [Later he said, “I was very amazed to see that it was the Father Nectarios that we all knew. And that he could still be recognized from his face and expression.

Even his beard was intact; I pulled at some of his beard, but it would not come out. I touched his hand and saw 2020

that it was skin. It had remained so well on the bones (there was not much flesh) and had not shriveled up. He could be recognized by anyone who had known him when he was alive.”]

Then they closed the marble sarcophagus right away.

By the will of God, years later the relics of the Saint dissolved, and what we have now are his Holy bones.

They have since been encased in the our Saint’s mitre in Aegina. The top opened so one can kiss the crown of his head. The other parts of his relics, which have much fragrance, are located in a silver box.

He endured a life of calumnies, persecutions and false accusations. But God has glorified him, and miracles have abounded since his departure for those who approach his relics with faith or who rely on his powerful intercession. His body remained incorrupt for more that twenty years, distilling a delicate, heavenly scent, and then returned to the earth in the usual way.

His relics were strongly redolent with the same perfume at the time of their translation in June 1953. This perfume has continued ever since to rejoice the faithful who come to venerate his precious relics with the assurance that Saint Nectarios has been received by God into the abode of the righteous. His veneration was formally recognized in 1961. The list of his miracles grows longer every day, and his shrine at Aegina has become a most popular place of pilgrimage in Greece.

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Necrology: Departed Hierarchs of the Diocese

His Eminence, Metropolitan Orestes P. Chornock Departed this life February 17, 1977

His Grace, Bishop Peter Shymansky Departed this life May 17, 1964

His Grace, Bishop John R. Martin Departed this life September 30, 1984

His Grace, Bishop Methodios Kanchuha Departed this life May 16, 1982

His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas R. Smisko Departed this life March 13, 2011

May Their Memory Be Eternal and Forever!

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In Memoriam: Very Reverend Protopresbyter George Havrila July 20, 2019

T

he Very Reverend Protopresbyter George Havrila fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday July 20, 2019.

Father George was born on March 28, 1935 in Sarriske Jastrabie, Czechoslovakia and from an early age felt the calling of God to enter the Holy Priesthood. He followed this calling and with the encouragement and prayers of his parents entered the then newly established Orthodox Theological Seminary in Presov from which he graduated with Honors in 1956.

After marriage to his wife Pani Anna, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on June 18, 1956 at the Holy Cross Chapel in Presov by Bishop Dorotheos. This ministry to God lasted for 63 years.

His early years as a Priest were marked by persecution from the Communist Party and he was arrested and jailed numerous times as a political prisoner. He suffered greatly at the hands of his tormentors and continued to faithfully and diligently serve Christ and His Holy Church despite these challenges.

After this meeting he was assigned to St. Mary Church in Dickson City, Pennsylvania.

In 1982, he was transferred to St. Nicholas Church in Gary, Indiana where he served until his retirement from active ministry in 1993.

In his retirement he continued to serve Diocesan Parishes as needed and with the blessing of the then Bishop Nicholas assisted in the establishment of Holy Transfiguration Mission in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

May Almighty God rest the soul of His newly departed and evermemorable servant, the ProtopresbyIn 1969, at the invitation of family ter George in the mansions of the just members from Connecticut he made where there is neither sickness nor his first visit to the United States sorrow, but life everlasting. where he met with the then Bishop Orestes P. Chornock.

May His Memory Be Eternal!

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Deceased Clergy of our Diocese January 7 January 8 January 11 January 22 January 23 January 23

Rev. James Stropko Rev. Maximillian Maruschak Deacon Richard Howrilka Very Rev. John Stefanik Protopresbyter Michael Sopoliga Rev. Nicholas Palun

1976 1966 2013 2000 2009 2019

February 4 February 8 February 9 February 10 February 16 February 17 February 22 February 28

Rev. John Housty Rev. Basil Dudash Rev. Mr. Charles Snitzer Protopresbyter Michael Tidick Rev. Michael Sotak Metropolitan Orestes P. Chornock Protopresbyter Andrew Hutnyan Deacon Michael Kozar

1990 1970 1966 1962 1947 1977 2004 2016

March 2 March 5 March 11 March 13 March 17 March 24 March 27 March 31

Hieromonk Seraphim Deacon Robert Kuchta Rev. Basil Huha Metropolitan Nicholas Smisko Protopresbyter Nicholas Woloshuk Deacon James Janiec Very Rev. Basil Barany Rev. Andrew Pankov

1987 2016 1978 2011 1985 2014 1965 1984

April 10 April 20 April 24 April 27

Rev. Stephen Kundla Very Rev. Basil Kurutz Protopresbyter Stephen Dutko Rev. Charles Lehman

2013 1971 2009 2013

May 5 May 5 May 15 May 16 May 17

Protopresbyter Ronald Hazuda Rev. William George Protopresbyter Michael Rosco Rt. Rev. Bishop Methodius Kanchuha Rt. Rev. Bishop Peter Shymansky

2017 2017 2013 1982 1964

June 4 June 6 June 6 June 10 June 11

Rev. Andrew Sabak Very Rev. Charles Panchisin Protopresbyter Shephen Shutack Rev. Alexander Kossey Protopresbyter Elias Kozar

1988 1992 2008 1945 2017

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Deceased Clergy of the Diocese

June 13 June 15 June 20 June 28

Rev. George Perhach Very Rev. Nicholas Cheselka Protopresbyter John Yurcisin Rev. Charles Kovich

1938 1976 2003 2005

July 5 July 6 July 20 July 20

Protopresbyter John Zeleniak His All Holiness Patriarch Athenagoras Protodeacon John Youhas Protopresbyter George Havrila

1999 1972 2012 2019

August 2 August 9 August 12 August 19 August 21 August 22

Protopresbyter Paul Tkach Deacon William Smith Very Rev. Dr. Stephen N. Jula Rev. George Dyak Protopresbyter Paul Herbert Rt. Rev. Peter E. Molchany

1963 1999 2014 1995 2016 1990

September 11 September 20 September 23 September 30

Protopresbyter David Wine Rev. John Soroka Very Rev. Michael Conrad Rt. Rev. Bishop John R. Martin

2011 1944 2009 1984

October 1 October 2 October 14 October 22 October 27

Deacon William Friedel His All Holiness Patriarch Dimitrios Very Rev. John Hutnyan Very Rev. Charles Sunderland Rev. Nicholas Navrocky

2011 1991 1971 2017 1945

November 11 November 17 November 19 November 30 November 30

Rev. Peter Rusyn Rev. Michael Hrabar Protopresbyter John Dolhy Protopresbyter Michael Hanas Protopresbyter Stephen Sedor

1983 1940 2006 1996 2003

December 8 December 13 December 17 December 21 December 21 December 23 December 25 December 25 December 26

Protopresbyter Peter P. Buletza Very Rev. John Kossey Rev. John Kushwara Protopresbyter Stephen Skasko Very Rev. Peter Halkovich Very Rev. David Sedor Rev. Alexander Harpas Rev. Albert Tomko Very Rev. John Rusyn

2006 1985 1950 1992 1977 2008 1960 1964 1964

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Deceased Clergy of the Diocese

December 26 December 28

Very Rev. Robert Salley Monk Nicholas Capece

2002 2016

In Blessed Repose Grant Eternal Rest, O Lord, To Your Departed Servants, and Render Their Memory Eternal!

Eternal Memory!

Vicnaja Pamjat!

Diocesan Clergy Directory Allard, Rev. Gregory………………………………………………………..frgregory@gmail.com 1106 Wells Street, Lafayette, IN 47905……………….…………………..…(765) 471-2580 Aminov, Protodeacon Oleg 254 Butler Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906……………………………..…..(814) 536-1136 Anderson, Deacon John 1898 Cricket Lane, Sharpsville, PA 16150…………………………....…..(724) 383-4016

Andrejuk, Very Rev. Vasily 3 Darrell Court, Edison, NJ 08817 Atitienei, Rev. Nicolae 153 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4M 2E9 Canada……………(416) 466-5877 Azar, Deacon Michael 1616 East Gibson Street, Scranton, PA 18510…………………..……….(720) 810-5914 Bachofsky, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth M……………….otecken@yahoo.com 2053 North Road, NE, Warren, OH 44483………………………….…..(330) 372-9778 Bannon, Rev. Jonathan……………………………….……..………….. jsbannon@gmail.com 6174 Sulkey Lane, Rockford, IL 61108……………………………………..(815) 721-4952 Baranik, Very Rev. John A., Jr. (Medical Leave) 540 Dorothy Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906…………………………….…(814) 536-6849 Barriger, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Lawrence R……………..…......camels19@ptd.net 451 Fern Street, Freeland, PA 18224……………………………….……….(570) 956-0749 Benc, Protodeacon Gregory….……………………………..…...bencfamily@optonline.net 112 Lakeview Avenue, Watchung, NJ 07069……………………..…..…..(908) 757-0993 Bennett, Rev. William …………………………….………….fr.william.bennett@gmail.com 288 E. 10th Street, New York, NY 10009…………………………….……(212) 254-6685 Benyo, Rev. Peter..……………………………………………………..….….frpeter@verizon.net 53 Fulton Street, Hawk Run, PA 16840……………………………….…….(814) 342-0163

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Diocesan Clergy Directory

Bigham, Rev. Stephen………………..……………………….. Stephane_bigham@yahoo.ca 405 Rue Street, St. Eustache, Quebec, J7R-2M7 Canada…………….(450) 472-6128 Birthisel, Rev. Joseph (Supply Priest)………………………………..jbirthesel@gmail.com 12610 Easthampton Drive, Midlothian, VA 23113……………….……..(713) 408-0298 Blaschak, Very Rev. Thomas (Retired) 2109 Trace Street, Hermitage, PA 16148.………..………………………...(724) 308-6019 Blomeley, Rev. James………………………………………….fr.james.blomeley@gmail.com 217A Peachtree Street, Murphy, NC 28906…………………….…….……(828) 361-1464 Bogdasavich, Priestmonk Nicholas General Delivery, Combermere, Ontario K0J 1L0 CANADA Bowers, Deacon Peter 324 Squaw Point Road, Carleton Place, Ontario K7C 4L3 CANADA Brancho, Very Rev. John S. (Retired)………………………………….frbrancho@aol.com 140 Stone Street, Johnstown, PA 15906…………………………..…….…..(814) 539-5043 Brisbine, Deacon Edward 3570 Sterling Park Circle, Apartment C, Grove City, OH 43123…..(330) 219-0988 Buczak, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert A…………………...frbuczak@outlook.com 249 Butler Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906………………………..……….(814) 539-8086 Chendorain, Very Rev. Michael…….…………………………..fmchendorain@gmail.com 145 Broad Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861…………………………..……(732) 826-4442 Choma, Rev. Nathaniel………………………………………..…...otecnathaniel@gmail.com 1907 Jenkins Street, Endicott, NY 13760……………………………………(607) 754-8952 Cmur, Rev. John (Retired)…………………………………..……………cmursr@comcast.net 3B Ironside Drive, Whiting, NJ 08759…………….……………….....…….(732) 716-1562 Cochran, Very Rev. Protopresbyter David..………………...pauldcochran@gmail.com 40 Beaver Dam Road, Stratford, CT 06614……………………………....(203) 385-1020 Conjelko, Rev. Matthew.…………………………………………………conjelko6@gmail.com 353 South 3rd Street, Indiana, PA 15701…………………………..….…...(724) 465-4934 Conjelko, Deacon Robert…………………………………….……….bconjelk1@comcast.net 516 Graham Avenue, Windber, PA 15963………………………..……….(814) 467-9270

Conjelko, Very Rev. Protopresbyter William (Retired)……..frbill217@frontier.com 972 Starboard Court, Hobart, IN 46342………………………………..….(219) 947-2375 Dranginis, Rev. Vincent 450 Glenwood Drive, Ambridge, PA 15003……………………………….(724) 266-2879 Duranko, Very Rev. Protopresbyter John (Retired)…….revduranko1@netzero.com 212 Beaver Dam Road, Stratford, CT 06614……………………....……..(203) 375-8380 2020

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Dutko, Very Rev. Protopresbyter James S…………………...stmikesbng@earthlink.net 280 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905………………………………..(607) 797-4471 Dutko, Rev. Matthew…………………………………………………..fatherdutko@gmail.com 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock, GA 30188………………...….(404) 268-6359 Edgington, Rev. Joseph………………………………………….…..…fredgington@gmail.com 513 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA 22314………………………..…...…..(703) 380-9673 Ellis, Deacon Charles 1134 Arnold Drive, Endwell, NY 13760…………………………………...(607) 785-1435 Ellis, Rev. George…………………………………………………......fr.georgeellis@gmail.com 19 West Park Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26501…………………………(304) 296-4319 Ellis, Rev. Kenneth………………………………………………..…………...kellis919@aol.com 902 Vaughn Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753…………………..……...…(732) 406-2422 Fedornock, Very Rev. Protopresbyter John (Retired).frjohnfedornock@gmail.com 5880 Moss Creek Drive, Mount Airy, MD 21771………………..……..(610) 639-6001 Fencik, Very Rev. John P………………………….……..…..padrefencik@optononline.net 90 W. 30th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002………………………..…..……….(201) 436-5549 Ferencz, Very Rev. Nicholas………………………………………….nferencz35@gmail.com 545 Moreland Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15243…………………………….….(724) 953-6046 Fester, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Joseph………………..…………..jfester99@gmail.com 211 Cable Avenue, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112..................................(412) 824-0246 Fetchina, Very Rev. Andrew……………………………………….….frandrew@comcast.net 211 West Grand Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065………………………….….(732) 382-8844

Foster, Rev. Michael………………………….……….……..michaeldavidfoster@gmail.com 187 Justin Lane, Bluefield, WV 24701…………………………..…………..(304) 323-2648 Gavrilkin, Rev. Konstantin 284 Whitehead Avenue, South River, NJ 08882………………...………(347) 782-2341 Gido, Very Rev. Protopresbyter John P. (Retired)…………..…..mcgido@comcast.net 434 Fourth Street, Beaver, PA 15009…………………………………..…….(724) 775-4199 Gleason, Very Rev. James A., Jr.(Retired)…..………………..……frgleason@gmail.com 431 Somerset Street, Johnstown, PA 15901.……………………..………..(814) 254-7181

Glimidakis, Rev. Demetrious 586 NW Azine Avenue, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983……..……..…………(970) 620-3899 Greenwood, Rev. Kevin………………………………..…...fr.kevingreenwood@gmail.com P.O. Box 82109, Columbus, Ohio 43202……………………….……….…(614) 789-0771 Gromm, Rev. Andrew…………………………..………………stgregoryseaford@gmail.com 1100 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY 11783………………………………....(516) 541-3628

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Diocesan Clergy Directory

Gulick, Protodeacon Emil.…………………………………………….…...deb.g@comcast.net P.O. Box 456, Port Matilda, PA 16870…………………………………..….(814) 692-1070 Hall, Deacon Stephen…………………………………………………stevehalldcn@gmail.com 24904 Magnolia Circle, Millsboro, DE 19966…………….……………...(240) 271-1712 Hanes, Deacon Steven 813 Cacaya Cove, Woodstock, GA 30188……………………..…………..(678) 637-6359 Holowaty, Rev. Lev…………………………………………………………..L-s.holowaty@att.net 545 Seberger Road, Schererville, IN 46375……………..…………….…..(219) 864-4342 Hubiak, Deacon Robert (Suspended) Hutnyan, Very Rev. Protopresbyter George (Retired)……..nina_hutnyan@hmis.org 6172 St. Andrews Drive, Canfield, OH 44406…………………………..(330) 286-5127 Ioukliaevskikh, Rev. Alexandre (Supply Priest) 485 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701………………………………….(914) 963-5549 Joseph, Very Rev. Tony (Retired)……………………………….…..fathertj@atlanticbb.net 108 Stoneybrook Lane, Johnstown, PA 15904…………………………….(814) 266-9475 Kabel, Very Rev. Michael…………………………………………stnicholas777@yahoo.com P.O. Box 777, Barton, OH 43905……………………………………..…..….(740) 695-9533 Kadlec, Very Rev. Thomas J (Retired)…...……………………….….…...frtjk@yahoo.com 14 Chisholm Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127…………….………….…..(716) 662-6915 Kaluzhnyi, Rev. Alexei P.O. Box 127, Greentown, PA 18426…………………………………..…..(570) 903-9312 Kish, Rev. Karl (Military Chaplain)………………………………….karlkish@hotmail.com 503 Nile Court, Westminster, MD 21157 Kleban, Very Rev. Michael A. (Retired)………..……………………rkleban@stny.rr.com 119 North Adams Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760……………………….…(607) 785-4719 Klein, Rev. Thomas.………………………………………..…….frthomas@embarqmail.com 2079 Wayne Road, Chambersburg, PA 17201……………………………(717) 264-7158 Koch, Deacon Donald 21 Pinehurst Court, East Amherst, NY 14051………………………..….(716) 688-6579 Kossey, Rev. David J..………………………………………………………..kossey@gmail.com 121 East Seventh Street, New York, NY 10009………………..………..(212) 674-1066 Kovac, Very Rev. Ronald (Retired)……………………………………rkovac1@stny.rr.com 512 South Benita Boulevard, Vestal, NY 13850……………..………….(607) 768-0769 Krivonak, Rev. Stephen E. III (Supply Priest)…………………………..skurve95@att.net 350 Baldwin Road R-9, Parsippany, NJ 07054…………………………….(973) 402-9440 Laliberte, Deacon Michael 2020

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Diocesan Clergy Directory

15 Biscaye Crescent, Ottowa, ON K2E 5R9 Canada………………..….(613) 228-8290 Lazarek, Very Rev. John D. (Retired)………………………………..revjdl123@gmail.com 8218 Still Pond Court, Trinity, FL 34655……………………………………(412) 310-0608 Leasure, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Mark……………………………..fr.mal@comcast.net 745 S. Keyser Avenue, Taylor, PA 18517………………………………….(570) 562-1170 Leussis, Rev. Dimitrios …………………………………………………….dleusicons@aol.com 3644 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084…………………………..(904) 463-4266 Loposky, Very Rev. Stephen ……………………..……………...campnazareth@acrod.org 339 Pew Road, Mercer, PA 16137………………………………………...…..(724) 662-4840 Lowery, Rev. Mark P.O. Box 82109, Columbus, OH 43202………………………….………...(614) 784-1419 Lucas, Very Rev. Robert E. 1798 Aqutong Road, New Hope, PA 18938…………….……..………….(215) 862-9227 Lysack, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Maxym………………………frmaxym@sympatico.ca 26 Bowmoor Avenue, Nepean, ON K2E-6M4 Canada………………..(613) 723-7790 Macura, Very Rev. Edward………………………………………frmichael@optononline.net 600 Silver Lane, Stratford, CT 06614………………………………..………(203) 386-8888 Mahler, Rev. Daniel…………………………………….………..carpathianpriest@gmail.com 61 Canada Road, Painted Post, NY 14870……………..……………….....(607) 962-5285 Mastroberte, Rev. David……………………………………..david.mastroberte@gmail.com 799 Karen Lane, Hermitage, PA 16148…………………………………..…(724) 813-3172

Mihaly, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Luke……………………………….padreluke@aol.com 74 Joe’s Hill Road, Danbury, CT 06811……………………………………(203) 748-0671 Mihaly, Rev. Nicholas…………………………………………..……nmihaly1013@gmail.com 1115 East Avenue, Erie, PA 16503………………..…………….……….……(814) 453-4902 Miklos, Very Rev. Michael J. (Retired)……………………..mmiklos@tampabay.rr.com 18433 Reynolds Parkway, Unit 12, Orlando, FL 32833…………..…..(321) 413-2107 Miller, Rev. Alexis…………………………………………..……..fatheralexmiller@gmail.com 4626 West Fall Creek Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933………………..(765) 307-0515

Miloro, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank P (Retired)………fpmiloro@atlanticbb.net 157 Rockwell Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15905…………………………..…(814) 410-3498 Mozes, Very Rev. Theodore Z. 1314 Randall Avenue, Levittown, PA 19057…………………………..….(215) 943-8222 Mucha, Deacon Pawel 155 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4M 2E9 Canada…..………(416) 466-1357

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Diocesan Clergy Directory

Ostafiychuk, Very Rev. Vasyl………………………………….…..fathervasyl@hotmail.com 1008 Dovercourt Road, Toronto, ON M6H 2X8 Canada………..….(419) 536-4449 Paproski, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Peter……………….………rppaproski@gmail.com P.O. Box 66, Phoenixville, PA 19460………………………………………..(610) 933-3336 Parks, Rev. Photios Clayton 37 Two Swans Lane, Flat Rock, NC 28731…………………………………(703) 498-0434 Pasieka, Rev. Michael 1500 North Maplewood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622………….…….…(312) 751-9168 Patrick, Rev. George R. (Retired) 140 Lavale Drive, Apartment 508, Monroeville, PA 15146…………..(412) 414-4704 Pehanich, Very Rev. Dr. Edward………………………………………..fredpeh@gmail.com 10062 Firethorn Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642……………..….(724) 863-3741 Polanichka, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Michael (Retired).…mpolly137@verizon.net 137 Hermitage Hills Boulevard, Hermitage, PA 16148…………….….(724) 981-2520 Prepelka, Very Rev. Robert (Retired)….………………….….otecbob@comcast.net 125 Magnolia Avenue, Whitaker, PA 15120……………………………….(412) 462-4955 Pribish, Very Rev. John R. 668 South Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202…………….…..………….(908) 354-1384 Psenechnuk, Very Rev. Michael J. (Retired) 865 Francis Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861…………………..………...…(908) 227-7999 Rebeck, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert J…………………………rebeck426@aol.com 1231 North 14th Street, Whitehall, PA 18052……………………...…….(610) 432-0272

Roscanu, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Radu………………….radu.roscanu@videotron.ca 14 Avenue du Crochet, Laval-des-Rapides, Quebec H7N 3Z2……..(450) 967-7792 Rustick, Rev. Michael…………………………………………….rusorthodox47@yahoo.com 225 Chandler Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906…………………….….…...(814) 539-0116 Salley, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Richard G. 205 East Reynolds Avenue, New Castle, PA 16101………..……………(724) 652-7602 Sherry, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Samuel J………………………………frsam@juno.com 7313 N. Waukegan Road, Niles, IL 60714…………………………………(847) 647-8398

Slovesko, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Michael (Retired) 830 Academy Heights Avenue, Ephrata, PA 11752……………………..(717) 738-2785 Smoley, Very Rev. Protopresbyter David (Retired)…holysmoley@roadrunner.com 1731 West 50th Street, Erie, PA 16509……………………….………..…...(814) 823-4707 Sodini, Deacon Peter………………………………………………………...pesodini@msn.com 4400 West Thome Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646………………..….……..(773) 750-8970 2020

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Diocesan Clergy Directory

Stagon, Rev. Matthew G……………………………………….…….fatherstagon@yahoo.com 66 Beach Street, Rockaway, NJ 07866……………………………..…………(973) 627-1462 Staviski, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Peter ………………………….….frdad@gateway.com 6634 Orangewood Drive, Highland, CA 92345………………………..…(909) 862-9205 Stienstra, Deacon Arthur…………………………………………………artstraster@gmail.com 10145 Hillcrest Avenue, Wexford, PA 15090……………………………..(412) 491-9544 Tadros, Rev. Paul 237 Sackville Street, Toronto, ON M5A-3G1 CANADA……..........(416) 703-1111 Tatum, Rev. Maximus (Leave of Absence)…………………Priestmaximus@gmail.com 14010 E. Le Grand Road, Le Grand, CA 95333……………...…..…….(757) 270-2160 Teklinski, Rev. Robert………………………………………………………..teklbob7@aol.com 9 West Railroad Street, Nesquehoning, PA 18240………………..…….(570) 669-6623 Tobias, Very Rev. Jonathan (Medical Leave of Absence)……janotec77@gmail.com 305 Country Club Drive, Edenton, NC 27932…………………………….(412) 427-4195 Ubertino, Very Rev. Robert (Suspended)………………………..info@stjohnmission.org 153 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4M-2E9 CANADA……….(416) 466-5877 Urban, Rev. David………………………………………………………..fr.sleepless@gmail.com 1940 Wightman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217…………………….…...….(412) 225-4669 Valasek, Rev. Donald (Suspended)………………………………...dvalasek@frontier.com 3720 Main Street, Apartment 717, Weirton, WV 26062 Vaskalis, Rev. Daniel……………………………………..……………...frdvaskalis@gmail.com 9009 Church Street, Apartment 311, Manassas, VA 20110

Valukeviec, Deacon Janke 4058 Ruskin Road, Rockford, IL 61101……………………………………..(815) 968-7328 Watson, Rev. Frederick (Retired)………………………………..fr.frederick@comcast.net 32335 Fish Hook Loop, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545………………..…..(610) 937-0889 Wisnosky, Deacon Dr. Marc, PhD 4015 Boulevard Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217…………………………..…(412) 378-6765 Worobey, Protodeacon Theodore J..………………………………..tjworobeysr@aol.com 320 Oleckna Street, Throop, PA 18519………………………………..…...(570) 489-2657 Wyborski, Rev. Nicholas (Retired)…………………………….….frnicholas.w@gmail.com 222 El Camino Real Circle, Winter Springs, FL 32708.………..……..(863) 838-9423 Zak, Very Rev. R. Michael…………………………………………….…….frmzak@gmail.com 903 Ann Street, Homestead, PA 15120………………………………………(412) 461-3264 Zarynow, Very Rev. Peter…………………………………………….…frzarynow@gmail.com 10201 Democracy Boulevard, Potomac, MD 20854………………..….(301) 299-5120

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Diocesan Clergy Directory

Zboyovski, Rev. John (Retired)…………………………..…….frjohnzboyovski@msn.com 10 Daniel Ridge Road, Candler, NC 28715…………………………..…..(828) 667-4748 Zdinak, Very Rev. Miles P………………………………………………frmiles@atlanticbb.net 141 Hoffman Farm Road, Windber, PA 15963…………………………..(814) 467-7444 Zias, Rev. Jeff………………………………………………………..……..zprophetjohn@aol.com 106 North Morris Street, St. Clair, PA 17970…………………..…………(570) 429-0670 Zuder, Very Rev. Protopresbyter Myron G (Retired)..…………..dzuder@neo.rr.com 2112 Jennifer Street, Akron, OH 44313……………………………………..(330) 835-4840

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Diocesan Deacons Protodeacon Gregory Benc, St. John the Baptist Church, Perth Amboy, NJ Protodeacon Emil Gulick, St. John the Baptist Church, Hawk Run, PA Protodeacon Oleg Aminov, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Central City, PA Protodeacon Theodore Worobey, St. Michael Church, Freeland, PA Deacon Janke Valukeviec, Christ the Saviour Church, Rockford, IL Deacon Donald Koch, St. Mary Church, Cheektowaga, NY Deacon Robert Conjelko, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Windber, PA Deacon Edward Brisbine, Holy Cross Mission, Columbus, OH Deacon Michael Laliberte, Christ the Saviour Church, Ottawa, ON Deacon Arthur Stienstra, St. Nicholas Church, Homestead, PA Deacon Stephen Hall, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Waldorf, MD Deacon John Anderson, St. John the Baptist Church, Hermitage, PA Deacon Pawel Mucha, St. John the Compassionate Mission, Toronto, ON Deacon Charles Ellis, St. Michael Church, Binghamton, NY Deacon Peter Sodini, St. Michael Church, Niles, IL Deacon Marc Wisnosky, PhD, St. Nicholas Church, Homestead, PA Deacon Michael Azar, St. George Church, Taylor, PA Deacon Steven Hanes, St. Elizabeth Mission, Woodstock, GA Deacon Peter Bowers, Christ the Saviour/Holy Trinity Church, Ottawa, ON

Diocesan Sub-deacons Sub-deacon Robert Yurvati, Protection Church, Allentown, PA Sub-deacon Joel Pleban, St. John the Baptist Church (Silver Lane), Stratford, CT Sub-deacon Leonard Myers, St. Michael Church, Clymer, PA Sub-deacon Gary Grysiak, St. John the Baptist Church, East Pittsburgh, PA Sub-deacon Michael Owczar, Holy Ghost Church, Phoenixville, PA Sub-deacon Wylie Meath, St. John’s Church (Silver Lane), Stratford, CT Sub-deacon Joseph Laput, St. John the Baptist Church (Silver Lane), Stratford, CT Sub-deacon Michael Glogg, St. George Chapel, Candler, NC Sub-deacon Roy Black, St. Michael Church, Wood, PA Sub-deacon Douglas Kenneth Lauffer, St. John the Baptist Church, Ambridge, PA Sub-deacon Philip Floyd, St. Elizabeth Mission, Woodstock, GA Sub-deacon Theodore Worobey Jr., St. George Church, Taylor, PA Sub-deacon Zachary Vaskalis, St. Michael Church, Freeland, PA

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Diocesan Sub-deacons

Sub-deacon Daniel Meece, Holy Transfiguration Mission, Crawfordsville, IN Sub-deacon Andrew Halapin, St. Nicholas Church, Homestead, PA Sub-deacon Dan Korba, St. Paul the Apostle Church, Freehold, NJ Sub-deacon Michael Sivy, Nativity of our Lord Church, Manassas, VA Sub-deacon Gregory Robel, St. Anthony the Great Mission, Hendersonville, NC Sub-deacon Roger Clark, Christ the Saviour Seminary, Johnstown, PA Sub-deacon Michael Vaporis, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Johnstown, PA Sub-deacon Brett Stiteler, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Homer City, PA Sub-deacon Stefan Popescu, Nativity of our Lord Church, Manassas, VA Sub-deacon Albert Davis, Holy Resurrection Church, Potomac, MD Sub-deacon Ruairi Seamus Murray, Nativity of our Lord Church, Manassas, VA Sub-deacon Daniel Seaman, Nativity of our Lord Church, Manassas, VA Sub-deacon Ryan Ferko, Holy Ghost Church, Phoenixville, PA Sub-deacon Chris Greenhill, St. John the Baptist Church, Bridgeport, CT Sub-deacon David Hutnyan, St. Michael Church, Youngstown, OH Sub-deacon Karoly David, St. Thomas Church, Waldorf, MD Sub-deacon Abraham Wehbi, Christ the Saviour Church, Ottawa, Canada Sub-deacon Marc Blaydoe, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Waldorf, MD Sub-deacon Chris Gombos, St. John the Baptist Church (Silver Lane), Stratford, CT Sub-deacon Adam Wyborski, Protection Church, Allentown, PA Sub-deacon Daniel Coffman, Descent of the Holy Spirit Church, Schererville, IN Sub-deacon Michael Oleksa, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Johnstown, PA Sub-deacon Fulton Peter Flynn, St. Nectarios Mission, Lakeland, FL Sub-deacon Steven Sitko, Christ the Saviour Church, Ottawa, ON Sub-deacon Gregory Zuder, St. Mary Church, Akron, OH Sub-deacon Andrew Wythe, St. John the Baptist Church, Perth Amboy, NJ Sub-deacon Nicholas Worobey, St. George Church, Taylor, PA Sub-deacon Jason DeMas, St. Nicholas Mission, Murphy, NC Sub-deacon Maximus Cannaverde, St. Nicholas Mission, Murphy, NC Sub-deacon Mark Gibbs, St. George Chapel, Candler, NC Sub-deacon Arsenio Tibayan, St. Silouan the Athonite Mission, Toronto, ON Sub-deacon Andreas Kotantoulas, St. Silouan the Athonite Mission, Toronto, ON Sub-deacon Victor Chiasson, Christ the Saviour Church, Ottawa, ON Sub-deacon Ernie O’Brien, St. Nicholas Church, Monongahela, PA Sub-deacon Alex Breno, St. Paul Church, Freehold, NJ Sub-deacon Alexander Zarynow, Holy Resurrection Church, Potomac, MD 2020

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Tonsured Diocesan Readers

Sub-deacon Efraim Pfeil, Christ the Saviour/Holy Trinity Church, Ottawa, ON Sub-deacon Michael Luciuk, Christ the Saviour/Holy Trinity Church, Ottawa, ON

Tonsured Diocesan Readers Reader John A Gido, St. John the Baptist Church, Ambridge, PA Reader Fred Leer, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Johnstown, PA Reader Andrew Sabak, St. Mary Church, Morgantown, WV Reader Paul Sikoryak, Jr., St. Nicholas Church, New York, NY Reader Michael Kull, Holy Ghost Church, Manville, NJ Reader Timothy Martin, St. John the Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Reader Andrew Single, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Windber, PA Reader Michael DeMas, St. Nicholas Church, Warren, OH Reader Jeffrey Cayer, St. John the Baptist Church (Silver Lane), Stratford, CT Reader Roger John Bennett, St. Alexis Mission, Lafayette, IN Reader Gregory Kostraba, St. Alexis Mission, Lafayette, IN Reader Wayne Boutzale, St. Alexis Mission, Lafayette, IN Reader John Dorroll, St. Alexis Mission, Lafayette, IN Reader Brad Schaffer, Holy Transfiguration Mission, Crawfordsville, IN Reader Robert Zizik, St. Nicholas Church, New York, NY Reader Andrew Hower, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Johnstown, PA Reader James Dunham, Nativity of Our Lord Church, Manassas, VA Reader Thomas Klimkewicz, Christ the Saviour Church, North Royalton, OH Reader David Tarasovich, St. Nicholas Church, Erie, PA Reader Michael Makuch, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Windber, PA Reader John Zboyovski, St. George Chapel, Candler, NC Reader Benjamin Pribish, St. Nicholas Church, Elizabeth, NJ Reader David Danko, St. Elizabeth Mission, Woodstock, GA Reader Charles Havalchak, St. Mary Church, Corning, NY Reader Ernest Hill, St. Nicholas Church, Lansford, PA Reader Luke Majernik, St. Michael Church, Rankin, PA Reader Ronald Pawuk, St. Michael Church, Wood, PA Reader Daniel Sponenburg, St. Michael Church, St. Clair, PA Reader Kristofer Carlisle, St. John the Baptist Church, East Pittsburgh, PA Reader Andrew Paproski, Holy Ghost Church, Phoenixville, PA

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Diocesan Clergy Wives

Reader Samuel Loposky, Saints Cyril and Methodios Church, Mercer, PA Reader Robert Serko, St. Mary Church, Endicott, NY Reader Edward Bundga, St. Mary Church, Endicott, NY Reader Gary Kaschak, St. Mary Church, Endicott, NY Reader George Magur, St. Mary Church, Endicott, NY Reader Mark Penzenik, Presentation of Our Lord Church, Hollywood, FL Reader Daniel Klassen, Presentation of Our Lord Church, Hollywood, FL Reader Jacob Cooper, St. Michael Church, Binghamton, NY Reader Gilbert Hritz, St. Stephen Church, Latrobe, PA Reader Noah Sakmar, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Johnstown, PA Reader George Kondus, St. Nicholas Mission, Murphy, NC Reader Kent William East, Epiphany Church, Huntington, PA Reader Luke O’Neal, St. Silouan the Athonite Mission, Toronto, ON Reader Nicolas Laliberte, St. Silouan the Athonite Mission, Toronto, ON Reader Benjamin Havrila, Descent of the Holy Spirit Church, Schererville, IN Reader Nicholas Loposky, Saints Cyril and Methodios Church, Mercer, PA Reader Jonah Zias, St. Michael Church, St. Clair, PA Reader Matthew Mykut, St. Michael Church, St. Clair, PA Reader Stephen Sudik, Holy Resurrection Church, Potomac, MD Reader Joseph Korba, St. Michael Church, Binghamton, NY

Diocesan Clergy Wives Pani Joann Allard, wife of Rev. Gregory Allard, Lafayette, IN Pani Mary Bachofsky, wife of Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky, Warren, OH Pani Marianna Bannon, wife of Father Jonathan Bannon, Rockford, IL Pani Betty Jean Baranik, wife of Very Rev. John A. Baranik Jr., Johnstown, PA Pani Linda Barriger, wife of Protopresbyter Lawrence R. Barriger, Freeland, PA Pani Ileana Bennett, wife of Father William Bennett, New York, NY Pani Svetlana Birthisel, wife of Father Joseph Birthisel, Midlothian, VA Pani Susan Blomely, wife of Father James Blomely, Murphy, NC Pani Marie Brancho, wife of Very Rev. John S. Brancho, Johnstown, PA Pani Kathy Buczak, wife of Protopresbyter Robert Buczak, Johnstown, PA Pani Melissa Chendorain, wife of Very Rev. Michael Chendorain, Perth Amboy, NJ Pani Nicole Choma, wife of Father Nathaniel Choma, Endicott, NY Pani Andrea Cochran, wife of Very Rev. David Cochran, Bridgeport, CT 2020

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Diocesan Clergy Wives

Pani Mary-Margaret Conjelko, wife of Father Matthew Conjelko, Homer City, PA Pani Kristyn Dranginis, wife of Father Vincent Dranginis, Bluefield, WV Pani Patricia Duranko, wife of Protopresbyter John Duranko, Stratford, CT Pani Kathleen Dutko, wife of Protopresbyter James S. Dutko, Binghamton, NY Pani Kathryn Dutko, wife of Father Matthew Dutko, Woodstock, GA Pani Stacey Edgington, wife of Father Joseph Edgington, Alexandria, VA Pani Cyndi Ellis, wife of Father Kenneth Ellis, Manville, NJ Pani Sarah Ellis, wife of Father George Ellis, Morgantown, WV Pani Delores Fedornock, wife of Protopresbyter John Fedornock, Mount Airy, MD Pani Annajane Fencik, wife of Very Rev. John P. Fencik, Bayonne, NJ Pani Joann Ferencz, wife of Very Rev. Nikolas Ferencz, Rankin, PA Pani Cathy Fester, wife of Protopresbyter Joseph Fester, East Pittsburgh, PA Pani Charity Fetchina, wife of Very Rev. Andrew Fetchina, Rahway, NJ Pani Joann Glimidakis, wife of Father Demetrious Glimidakis, Port St Lucie, FL Pani Joanna Gromm, wife of Father Andrew Gromm, Seaford, NY Pani Sharon Holowaty, wife of Father Lev Holowaty, Schererville, IN Pani Dorothy Hutnyan, wife of Protopresbyter George Hutnyan, Canfield, OH Pani Patsy Joseph, wife of Very Rev. Tony Joseph, Latrobe, PA Pani Kelley Kabel, wife of Very Rev. Michael Kabel, Barton, OH Pani Linda Kadlec, wife of Very Rev. Thomas J. Kadlec, Cheektowaga, NY Pani Andrea Kish, wife of Chaplain Karl Kish, Westminster, MD Pani Carolyn Klein, wife of Father Thomas Klein, Chambersburg, PA Pani Paula Kossey, wife of Father David J. Kossey, New York, NY Pani Diana Lazarek, wife of Very Rev. John D. Lazarek, Trinity, FL Pani Beverly Leasure, wife of Protopresbyter Mark Leasure, Taylor, PA Pani Kyriaki Leussis, wife of Father Dimitrios Leussis, St. Augustine, FL Pani Daria Loposky, wife of Very Rev. Stephen Loposky, Mercer, PA Pani Marlene Lucas, wife of Very Rev. Robert E. Lucas, New Hope, PA Pani Yvonne Lysack, wife of Protopresbyter Maxym Lysack, Ottawa, ON Pani Joan Mahler, wife of Father Daniel Mahler, Painted Post, NY Pani Vicki Mastroberte, wife of Father David Mastroberte, Hermitage, PA Pani Bethany Mihaly, wife of Protopresbyter Luke Mihaly, Danbury, CT Pani Stacey Mihaly, wife of Father Nicholas Mihaly, Erie, PA Pani Karen Miklos, wife of Very Rev. Michael J. Miklos, Spring Hill, FL Pani Nina Miller, wife of Rev. Alexis Miller, Crawfordsville, IN Pani Constance A. Miloro, wife of Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Johnstown, PA 306

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Diocesan Clergy Wives

Pani Marjorie Mozes, wife of Very Rev. Theodore Z. Mozes, Levittown, PA Pani Carol Paproski, wife of Protopresbyter Peter Paproski, Phoenixville, PA Pani Hannah Parks, wife of Father Photios Parks, Hendersonville, NC Pani Kathleen Pehanich, wife of Very Rev. Edward Pehanich, Monongahela, PA Pani Eleanor Polanichka, wife of Protopresbyter Michael Polanichka, Hermitage, PA Pani Eleanor Pribish, wife of Very Rev. John R. Pribish, Elizabeth, NJ Pani Barbara Psenechnuk, wife of Very Rev. Michael Psenechnuk, Perth Amboy, NJ Pani Stella Roscanu, wife of Protopresbyter Radu Roscanu, Quebec, Canada Pani Bonnie Sherry, wife of Protopresbyter Samuel J. Sherry, Niles, IL Pani Anna Marie Slovesko, wife of Protopresbyter Michael Slovesko, Ephrata, PA Pani Donna Smoley, wife of Protopresbyter David Smoley, Erie, PA Pani Eleni Stagon, wife of Father Matthew G. Stagon, Rockaway, NJ Pani Charlotte Staviski, wife of Protopresbyter Peter Staviski, Highland, CA Pani Naomi Tadros, wife of Father Paul Tadros, Toronto, ON Pani Carmen Tatum, wife of Father Maximus Tatum, Le Grand, CA Pani Peggy Teklinski, wife of Father Robert Teklinski, Nesquehoning, PA Pani Marsha Tobias, wife of Very Rev. Jonathan Tobias, Edenton, NC Pani Alexandra Urban, wife of Father David Urban, Pittsburgh, PA Pani Susan Watson, wife of Father Frederick Watson, Wesley Chapel, FL Pani Wanda Wyborski, wife of Father Nicholas Wyborski, Winter Springs, FL Pani Deborah Zak, wife of Very Rev. R. Michael Zak, Homestead, PA Pani Bernadette Zarynow, wife of Very Rev. Peter Zarynow, Potomac, MD Pani Cynthia Zboyovski, wife of Father John Zboyovski, Candler, NC Pani Elizabeth Zdinak, wife of Very Rev. Miles P. Zdinak, Windber, PA Pani Natalie Zias, wife of Father Jeff Zias, St. Clair, PA Pani Dolores Zuder, wife of Protopresbyter Dr. Myron Zuder, Akron, OH Ludmilla Aminov, wife of Protodeacon Oleg Aminov, Johnstown, PA Deborah Anderson, wife of Deacon John Anderson, Hermitage, PA Alison Archer, wife of Deacon Marc Wisnosky, Homestead, PA Tamara Benc, wife of Protodeacon Gregory Benc, Watchung, NJ Mary Catherine Bowers, wife of Deacon Peter Bowers, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Rose Conjelko, wife of Deacon Robert Conjelko, Windber, PA Sally Ellis, wife of Deacon Charles Ellis, Binghamton, NY Deborah Gulick, wife of Protodeacon Emil Gulick, Port Matilda, PA Nancy Hall, wife of Deacon Stephen Hall, Millsboro, DE Michelle Hanes, wife of Deacon Stephen Hanes, Woodstock, GA 2020

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Diocesan Clergy Wives

Sally Hubiak, wife of Deacon Robert Hubiak Judy Koch, wife of Deacon Donald Koch, Cheektowaga, NY Adriana Laliberte, wife of Deacon Michael Laliberte, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Anna Pishnik, wife of Deacon Arthur Stienstra, Wexford, PA Irma Sodini, wife of Deacon Peter Sodini, Niles, IL Kathleen Worobey, wife of Protodeacon Theodore Worobey, Freeland, PA

Widowed Diocesan Clergy Wives Pani Julia Barany Pani Mary Buletza Pani Amy George Pani Anna Havrila Pani Eleanor Herbert Pani Helen Hutnyan Pani Jean Hutnyan Pani Andrea Kovich Pani Gloria Lehman

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Pani Mary Panchisin Pani Susan Rosco Pani Eileen Sedor Pani Mary Sedor Pani Nancy Shuster Pani Helen Shutack Pani Rose Stefanik Pani Michaelene Tomko Pani Joan Wine

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2020 A.C.R.Y. Annual Sponsors Full-Page Parish Sponsors ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH—Ambridge, PA Rev. Vincent Dranginis, Pastor Timothy Polas, Church President ST. MARY CHURCH—Dickson City, PA Rev. Alexei Kalyuzhny ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH—Elizabeth, NJ Very Rev. John R. Pribish, Pastor ST. MARY CHURCH—Endicott, NY Rev. Fr. Nathaniel J. Choma, Pastor ST. JOHN CHURCH—Hermitage, PA Rev. David Mastroberte, Pastor Very Rev. Protopresbyter Michael Polanichka, Pastor Emeritus St. Nicholas Church—Homestead, PA Very Rev. R. Michael Zak, Pastor Christ the Saviour Cathedral—Johnstown, PA Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert Buczak, Pastor NATIVITY OF OUR LORD CHURCH—Manassas, VA Rev. Daniel Vaskalis, Pastor

St. Nicholas Church—New York (Tenth Street), NY Rev. William Bennett, Pastor Paul Sikoryak, Parish Council President St. Michael Church—Niles, IL Very Rev. Protopresbyter Samuel Sherry, Pastor Fr. Deacon Peter Sodini Archon Wesley A. Stinich, Parish Council President Holy Resurrection Church and A.C.R.Y. Chapter #25—

Potomac, MD Very Rev. Peter Zarynow, Pastor and Spiritual Advisor Very Rev. Protopresbyter John Fedornock, Retired Daniel Breno, Chapter President St. Michael Church—Rankin, PA Very Rev. Nicholas Ferencz, Pastor

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2019 A.C.R.Y. Annual Sponsors

Full-Page Parish Sponsors—Continued Christ the Saviour Church—Rockford, IL Rev. Jonathan Bannon, Pastor St. George Church—Taylor, PA Very Rev. Protopresbyter Mark Leasure, Pastor St. John the Baptist Church and A.C.R.Y. Chapter #23— Stratford (Silver Lane), CT Very Rev. Michael Macura, Pastor and Spiritual Advisor ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH—Warren, OH Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky, Pastor Gib Pucolt, President

Half-Page Parish Sponsors St. John the Baptist Church— Stratford (Broadbridge Avenue), CT Saints Peter and Paul Church—Windber, PA Very Rev. Miles Zdinak, Pastor

Quarter-Page Parish Sponsors St. John the Baptist Church—Ligonier, PA Very Rev. Tony Joseph, Pastor St. Stephen Church—Latrobe, PA Very Rev. Tony Joseph, Pastor

St. Mary Church—Morgantown, WV Rev. George Ellis, Pastor St. John the Baptist Church—Rahway, NJ Very Rev. Andrew Fetchina, Pastor St. Alexis Church—Battleground, IN Rev. Gregory Allard, Pastor St. Michael Church—Clymer, PA Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank Miloro, Pastor ST. Michael Church and A.C.R.Y. Chapter #6—Freeland, PA Very Rev. Protopresbyter Lawrence Barriger, Pastor and Spiritual Advisor Emil Bzdil, Senior Chapter President St. Nicholas Church—Monongahela, PA Very Rev. Dr. Edward Pehanich, Pastor

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Quarter-Page Parish Sponsors—Continued St. Nicholas Church—Jacobs Creek, PA Very Rev. Dr. Edward Pehanich, Pastor Michael Bobich, Parish Council President

Full-Page A.C.R.Y. Chapter Sponsors A.C.R.Y. Chapter #11—Homestead, PA Very Rev. R. Michael Zak, Spiritual Advisor Cathy Pawlik, Chapter President A.C.R.Y. CHAPTER #34—Elizabeth, NJ Very Rev. Fr. John R. Pribish, Spiritual Advisor Johannah Rogers, Chapter President

Half-Page A.C.R.Y. Chapter Sponsors A.C.R.Y. Chapter #20—Johnstown, PA Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert Buczak, Spiritual Advisor Donna Yarina, Chapter President A.C.R.Y. Chapter #68—Niles, IL Very Rev. Protopresbyter Samuel Sherry, Spiritual Advisor Pamela Kuhn, Chapter President

Quarter-Page A.C.R.Y. Chapter Sponsors A.C.R.Y. Chapter #21—Taylor, PA Very Rev. Protopresbyter Mark Leasure, Spiritual Advisor Michael Shimko, Chapter President A.C.R.Y. Chapter #33—Nesquehoning, PA Rev. Robert Teklinski, Spiritual Advisor Pani Peggy Teklinski, Chapter President Gabe Thomas, Junior A.C.R.Y. Chapter President Nancy Kerestus, Junior Advisor A.C.R.Y. Chapter #28—Monongahela-Jacobs Creek, PA Very Rev. Edward Pehanich, Spiritual Advisor Daniel Timko, Senior Chapter President Rachel H., Junior Chapter President A.C.R.Y. Chapter #42—Pittsburgh (Northside), PA Rev. David Urban, Spiritual Advisor Theresa Sharpless, Chapter President

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Quarter-Page A.C.R.Y. Chapter Sponsors—Continued A.C.R.Y. Chapter #49—Erie, PA Rev. Nicholas Mihaly, Spiritual Advisor Phyllis Tarasovich, Chapter President

Memorial Listings Most Reverend, Metropolitan Nicholas Very Rev. Protopresbyter Ronald Hazuda Pani Dolores Hazuda Very Rev. Protopresbyter John Yurcisin Pani Anna Yurcisin Very Rev. Protopresbyter George Havrila Rev. William George Rev. Daniel Pietrzak Margaret Allen Libbie Bachofsky Michael Bachofsky Josephine Barriger Robert Barriger Joann Bodnar Louise & Elizabeth Bertolina Gerald Blacklaw Komorova Bratislava Lichvarova Bratislava Emma Mae Brown S. Francetta Brown S. Janna Brown John Sylvester Brown Robert & Evelyn Brudnak Bernice Bykowski Mary Choma Steve Choma Steve Choma, Jr. Smandrova Trnavka Chomutov Susan Chowanec Rose Barbara Chryczyk Richard Joseph Chryczyk John Cmur Sr. Mary Bodak Cmur Mary Dowse Cmur Christopher J. Coe Harry & Barbara Coe Andrew Czap

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Anna Czap Anne Darby Kenneth Darby Rita Estelle Davies Christine Deutsch (Timko) Peter & Helen Dutko William Dzubak Mary & Michael Dzvonik Michelle Dzvonik Kent & Evelyn East Elizabeth Erlewine Paul Fetzko Stella Wyborska Gorski Vrancova Slovensky Grob Harris Family George Sr. & Bertha Hazuda Margaret Hilshansky Jody L. Hockett Kormanikova Jarabina Lichvarova Kamienka Nestorikova Kemienka Smandrova Kamienka Srokova Kamienka John Kitlan Basil V. Kmech John H. Koreny Steve Koval Charles Matola Lichvarova Michaelovce Paul Morrow Betty Murin David O‘Brien Professor Andrew & Mary Panchisin Frank Piechocki Mary Rita Piechocki Eleanore Rose Perczak James David Perczak

Diocesan Yearbook

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2019 A.C.R.Y. Annual Sponsors

Memorial Listings—Continued George Radomsky Ernest Floyd Reinhart, Jr. Ernest Floyd Reinhart, Sr. Frances Helen Reinhart John W. Reinhart Matilda Reinhart George Reparsky Susan Semancik Michael & Lilas Sewchok Agnes Smandra John D. Smandra Michael Smandra Norman Smandra Stefan Smandra William Smith Adam Snider Nicholas Sudik, Jr.

George & Mildred Sukal Robert J. Talmadge George Tarasovich Jr. Smandrova Trebisov Andrew & Anna Timko Michael Tomko Jr. Ernie Vasil Antoni Wyborski Daniel Wyborski Joseph Dominic Wyborski Lottie Frances Wyborski Paul Anthony Wyborski Raymond Anthony Wyborski Timothy Jude Wyborski Vincent Bogomit Wyborski Stella Zabrucky Andrew & Frances Zatorsky

A.C.R.Y. Annual Patrons Johnstown, PA His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory Tatsis Very Rev. Protopresbyter Robert Buczak Pani Kathy Buczak Very Rev. Protopresbyter Frank Miloro Pani Connie Miloro Very Rev. John Brancho Pani Marie Brancho Louise Brudnak Lynn Brudnak-Kelly Karen Brudnak-Slate Steve & Barbara Martyak Nicholas & Wendy Slachta Vivian Slachta Ron & Beverly Tinkle Dan & Dee Tvarozna Luke Tvarozna & Briana Master Zach & Brittany Tvarozna Donna Yarina John Yarina Ann Melanie Yurcisin

2020

Barton, OH V. Rev. Fr. Michael C. Kabel Pani Kelley Kabel Elizabeth, NJ Archon John & Sonia Halecky V. Rev. Fr. John Pribish Pani Eleanor Pribish Amanda Pribish Benjamin Pribish Rachel Pribish Sonyia Woloshyn Erie, PA Reader David & Debra Tarasovich Alexander Hazuda George Hazuda Tamara Kloss Phyllis Tarasovich Freeland, PA Edward Bereznak Archon John & Mary Kost Helen Schwika

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A.C.R.Y. Annual Patrons—Continued Hawk Run, PA Helen Beveridge Aaron Gustkey MJ Gustkey Susan Zelensky

Aaron, Alysha, & Emilia Zak Adam and Jean Zak Andrea Zober

Homestead, PA Very Rev. Michael & Pani Debbie Zak Very Rev. Robert J. Propelka Rev. Michael, Pani Leslie, and Elizabeth Sochka Fr. Deacon Art Stienstra Anna Pyshnik Fr. Deacon Marc Wisnosky Alison Archer Anastasia Wisnosky Shelly, Ryan Elizabeth, & Lexx Anthony Richard & Andrea Babbie Richard and Lois Bachofsky Bob, Danielle, Anna, & Kataryna Bartko Daw Family Carol, Larry, & Bill Dunn John & Michele Fedornock Stephen & Carol Fucsko Michele & Raymond Hubert Agnes Kane Anna Marie Kline Andrea Labik Michael & Marion Lavra George J. Matey Albert & Jackie Maurer George Murin Joy Myers Cathy Pawlik Tom Pingor Andrew and Lucy Tomko Cheryl Tomko Michele Tomko Ethan Turner Lillian Turner Mary Rose Turner Dave and Andrea Urban Barbara Yuhasz

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Monongahela Jacobs Creek, PA Michael & Dawyn Bobich Barbara & Robert Hersh Alexis Matey Kathy Matey Nesquehoning, PA Rev. Robert Teklinski Pani Peggy Teklinski Susan Bortnick Julie Hallahan Carol Malatak Christine Marek Michael Marek Mason Murphy Wendy Murphy New York (tenth Street), NY Rev. William Bennett Pani Ileana Bennett Helen Bennett

Niles, IL Very Rev. Protopresbyter Samuel Sherry Pani Bonnie Sherry Fr. Deacon Peter Sodini Dr. Irma Sodini & Family Brian, Kim, Matthew, & Peyton Blacklaw Marlene Blacklaw Gerald Charnota Jennifer & Kevin Engstrom Ginny Foltman Andrea, Konstantine & Alexia Haralampopoulos Ralph & Mary Johnson George, Ann, Victoria, Angeliki & Vasilios Karavitis Joe & Kate Kellen Pam Kuhn

Diocesan Yearbook

2020

2019 A.C.R.Y. Annual Sponsors

A.C.R.Y. Annual Patrons—Continued Steve & Anne Laduzinsky Patty & Emil Misichko Suzanne Misichko Ron, Nancy, & Mary Moran John Murton Ken & Kathy Mysliewicz Diane Plichta Janie & Walter Schwarz Mary Ann Selecky Archon Wesley & Jean Stinich John & Sonia Woytovich

Phoenixville, PA Fr. Peter & Pani Carol Paproski Kevin & Amy Coffman Gabriel Coffman Susan Koss Greg & Carolyn Kushner Pittsburgh (Northside), PA Rev. David & Pani Alexandra Urban Thomas & Carol Lorenzi Joseph & Lynn Mainolfi Rich & Renee Mirilovich John & Theresa Sharpless Potomac, MD The Zarynow Family V. Rev. Protopresbyter John & Pani Delores Fedornock Alex R. Breno Eleanor Breno Christina Chow Katherine Chow George Dahulich Nick & Cyndi Dzubak Christopher, Allen, & Daniel Dzubak

Tim Dzubak John & Sheila Hrapchak Barbara Muhlenberg John & Marie Smith

Rockaway, NJ Rev. Matthew & Pani Eleni Stagon Stan & Linda Brajer Lauren Brajer Barbara & Scott Fitzgerald Barbara Kmech Basil C. Kmech Newkirk Family Warren, OH Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky Pani Mary Bachofsky Whiting, NJ Rev. John Cmur Winter Springs, FL Rev. Nicholas Wyborski Pani Wanda Wyborski Subdeacon Adam Wyborski Elaine Marie Wyborski

Yonkers, NY Rev. Stephen E. Krivonak III Denise Donnelly Dorothy Dymek Mr. & Mrs. A Krusko Diane Krusko Evelyn Mikulak Patricia Obrizok Justine Rusinko Michael Zygmunt

A.C.R.Y. Annual Boosters Freeland, PA Emil Bzdil Susie Bzdil Tanya Bzdil 2020

Helen Bzdil Helen Kost Natasha Young

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A.C.R.Y. Annual Boosters—Continued Karen O’Brien Hawk Run, PA Nathan Gustkey Michele O’Brien Ben Gustkey Jodi Sinagra Emily Gustkey Don Smoley Mary Jane Smoley Homestead, PA Donald Soukup Reagan Beauchamp Lilas Soukup Patty Buck Lilas M. Soukup Jean & Enzo Colantoni Michele Soukup Nick Ditmore Daniel Timko Samantha Ditmore Donna Timko Bill Dunn Ed White John, Nate, and Rachel Fedornock Linda White Debbie Harris Rachael Hubert Phoenixville, PA Olga Henderson Tatiana Kushner Mary Janicko Nadia Kushner Mary Ann Jordan Pittsburgh (Northside), PA Don and Janice Kerr Maria Urban Gaylene Merritt Sophia Urban Walter & Anna Orange Helen Revek Rockaway, NJ Mary Ribic Seraphim & Luka Stagon Joan Ribovich Hariklia & Xenia Stagon Alexa & Zachary Fitzgerald Johnstown, PA Lauren & Nicole Fitzgerald Evelyn Evanisko Christopher & Roxanne Miloro Monongahela Jacobs Creek, PA Very Rev. Dr. Edward Pehanich Pani Kathleen Pehanich Irene Pehanich Kaitlyn Caramela Lisa Caramela Donna Carman Rachel Hetzler Rob Hetzler Sarah Hetzler Shelly Hetzler Frank Lomago Judi Lomago

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Warren, OH Preston Bachofsky Charlotte Bachofsky Nick & Julia Bachofsky Aaron & Jules Bachofsky Nate Bachofsky Kevin Monaco

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Yonkers, NY John & Pat Chach Nicholas Benjo Fecica Family

2020

Tabitha of Joppa Vestments 2043 West Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA www.orthodoxvestments.com (610) 861-2731 Email: Tabitha@orthodoxvestments.com

The Finest Quality of Custom-Made Orthodox Vestments, Altar Coverings, and Altar Boy Dalmatics

We thank

John Dziak and his staff at

Printscape Imaging and Graphics for their generous support in printing the A.C.R.Y. Annual and Diocesan Yearbook

2020

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Future National A.C.R.Y. Events and Activities 2020 A.C.R.Y. Lenten Retreats Central Region April 6, 2020 Eastern Region April 13, 2020 Western Region April 13, 2020 2020 Lots-of-Luck Calendar Chapter #23 Stratford, Connecticut 2020 Bowling Tournament Chapter #34 Elizabeth, New Jersey 2020 Convention Chapter #40 Binghamton, New York

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