Category: News

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.

On October 21, the Parish held its Annual Meeting. This meeting is held each year to allow the parish insight and participation in the administration of St. Andrew’s, to ensure financial oversight and transparency, and to determine the course of the parish’s activities over the coming year, in concert with the rector.

At this year’s meeting, the auditors Edna Fetkowitz and Greg Andruk made several recommendations for simplifying and improving our counting and banking procedures. It was decided that once our parish’s CD investment matures in April, to not renew it and roll those funds into our savings. The year’s finances were reviewed, and showed signs of improved health since the prior year.

Small increases in pay were approved for our rector and choir director.

A new parish Council was elected for the 2012-2013 administrative year; these names will be forwarded to our Diocesan Hierarch, Bishop Michael, for confirmation.

Reports were heard from the Church School, Sisterhood, President, and Rector. A discussion regarding the parish’s obligation of assessments to the Diocese and OCA was held. Detailed [Draft] Minutes of the meeting’s proceedings are available by request from Fr. John.

On Sunday September 23, Fr. Nikolay Gulin, our former choir director and now an Assistant Priest assigned to the parish in Jersey City, was honored during the Hierarchical Liturgy celebrated there. His Grace, Bishop Michael, bestowed the first degree of priestly awards, the nabedrennik, upon Fr. Nikolay, in honor of his devoted service to the Church. Fr. Nikolay, who has taken on employment as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to support his ministry, has been commuting to Philadelphia early each Sunday morning to assist in ministering to the Russian-speaking community there. To Fr. Nikolay, we extend our praise and congratulations – “Axios! – He is worthy!” Please keep Father Nikolay and his wife, Matushka Viktoriya, in your prayers.