Saint Andrew's Orthodox Church

On November 29, the eve of our Patronal Feast of Saint Andrew, our parish was honored to welcome our diocesan archpastor, His Grace Bishop Michael, for the celebration of the Vesperal Liturgy.  We were also honored to be joined by Fr. David Cowan, rector of Holy Trinity Church in Yonkers NY and secretary to His Grace, as well as Fr. Seraphim Joa, a recent graduate of St. Vladimir Seminary and an assistant priest at Holy Trinity Church in East Meadow NY.  Joining in the celebration of the Liturgy were a wonderful contingent of parishioners, who would have been otherwise unable to join in the feast due to their work and school schedules.  

Continue reading Bishop Michael Celebrates Feast of St. Andrew

Thank you to all who supported our 2012 Clothing Drive. We collected quite a few donations – over 50 fully laden bags. These donations will benefit United Veterans’ Beacon House, and will help the lives of struggling veterans on Long Island. The collection of the items took place a few days before Thanksgiving, having been postponed for several weeks due to Hurricane Sandy.

A brief report from the 17th All American Council

Yesterday, at the plenary session of the 17th All-American Council – held here in Parma, outside Cleveland, Ohio – six hundred and sixty three participants, five hundred and ninety who were eligible to vote, forwarded two names to the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, after hours of prayer and balloting.

His Eminence Archbishop Tikhon of Philadelphia and His Grace Bishop Michael of New York were considered by the Holy Synod, who makes the final decision and election of our new Metropolitan, the bishop who acts as Primate (head) of our Church.

After many hours of and much anticipation, the curtain to the sanctuary was opened and Archbishop Tikhon was brought forth, having been elected by the Synod, to be vested in the appointments of the Metropolitan.

Continue reading A New Metropolitan is Elected

During the storms related to Hurricane Sandy this past week, our church suffered little damage. Several tree limbs fell throughout the wooded property, one of which severed the electrical service connection from the street to the Rectory & Hall. Power remains to the church. Thank you to our caretakers for their diligent work (pictured, in action, above) in cleaning the property up – when we arrived for services this weekend, it seemed as if nothing had happened! We know of no injury to any of our parishioners, or major damage to their homes. Many of us are still without power, a minor inconvenience when we consider the massive loss of many of our brothers and sisters on Long Island and beyond. Please keep all of those suffering in the wake of the storm, as well as those who tragically lost their lives, in your prayers.

The Sisterhood of Saints Martha and Mary, filled with happy spirits and willing hearts, had a fun day working together for the Pierogi fund raiser. Sandy Bakofen, Andrea Filak, Kathy Skirkanich, Nina Maisevich, Mary Tomaras, Madelyn Andruk, Diana Calpakis and Sonia Rusinak kept the pace.

Sandy was our “leader” … organizing and using her family recipe to keep us on track. Through tears, we chopped 20lbs of onions, kneaded dough to the “right firmness” and mashed 15 pounds of potatoes. Then we formed and boiled the pierogi… “perfection”!

Besides gathering for Christian fellowship, our purpose was to make money to help the church whose finances need support. Photos of the day can be seen here.

Today, in the social room, a bakers’ dozen will sell for $10.00. See Diane Calpakis and her helpers to purchase your treat. Each tray has been cooked, topped with onions and is ready to be heated and eaten. You can also freeze a tray, should you want it for another day. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for your support.

Update: We sold out!

Thank you to Madelyn for the story and Madelyn & Sandy for the photos.