We greet you warmly in the joy of this Great and Holy Feast, the birth in the flesh of Our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. The Vigil is served tonight at 7:00 PM. The Divine Liturgy is served tomorrow at 10:00 AM. We look forward to celebrating this feast with you, together as a parish family. Included below is the archpastoral address of His Grace, Bishop Michael, on the occasion of the Holy Nativity.
Continue reading The Feast of the Holy Nativity
Archpastoral Message on the Tragedy in Newtown
His Grace, the Right Reverend Michael, Bishop of New York, and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, sends the following letter to the faithful among his diocese, reflecting on the tragedy that has occurred in Newtown, CT. Continue reading Archpastoral Message on the Tragedy in Newtown
Memory Eternal: Archpriest Michael Mihalick
It is with great sadness that we have learned that our former pastor, rector, and father, the +Archpriest Michael Mihalick, has reposed in the Lord.
From the Orthodox Church in America’s website: Archpriest Michael J. Mihalick, 63, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully at home on the morning of Monday, December 10, 2012. For many years, Father Michael had fought a valiant battle against progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
Continue reading Memory Eternal: Archpriest Michael Mihalick
Remembering Fr. Alexander Schmemann
Today marks the 29th anniversary of the repose of the +Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, one of the great theological writers of our times. Fr. Alexander, known the world over through his powerful books, including For the Life of the World, was a major figure in the Orthodox Church in America’s receiving independence (autocephaly) in 1977. You can read more about his life on the website of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, where for years he served as dean. Read more here. Additionally, you can see a special CBS aired following Fr. Alexander’s death in 1983, called “For Our Times: The Spirit of St. Vladimir’s” by clicking here.
May the memory of the ever-venerable Protopresbyter Alexander be eternal!
Diocese Holds First ‘Children’s Choir Workshop’
On Saturday, December 1, 2012, the Diocese of New York & New Jersey’s Commission on Liturgical Music held its first ‘Children’s Choir Workshop’, hosted by our parish here at St. Andrew’s. Led by noted diocesan conductor and musician David Lucs, the workshop was a fun-filled and inspiring day, as David creatively engaged the group of eight enthusiastic young girls who joined this program’s initial run.
Students learned several hymns, especially those related to the season of the Nativity which is upon us: the Feast of Saint Nicholas, the Holy Nativity, and the Holy Theophany, and were given booklets of liturgical music to take back to their homes and parishes along with their newly-acquired skills in liturgical music. The children took advantage of the personal attention to clear up some misconceptions as well; among the most interesting, that on celebrations, we don’t actually sing “God Grant you many ears!” Others learned that a Nativity irmos does not actually begin with “Christ is bored, glorify Him!” Thankfully, our intrepid instructor was able to gently reorient the young students to a more traditional understanding of how these hymns should go! In addition to the instruction in signing, the students shared meals together, got to know each other, and establish friendships with fellow Orthodox youth from nearby parishes.
St. Andrew’s is thankful to the Diocesan Commission on Liturgical Music, in particular Doreen Bartholomew and Carol Wetmore, for the honor of being able to host this event; to David Lucs for the wonderful instruction he provided; and to His Grace Bishop Michael for his presence, teaching, and encouragement throughout the workshop. We hope our own parish’s youth who participated had a good experience, and hope that they will now join us in the choir sometime soon! We look forward to sending even great numbers of our youth to future workshops.
Photos from the event can be viewed here.