News – Page 8 – Saint Andrew's Orthodox Church

Theophany Celebrations with Bishop Michael

On January 5 and 6, 2012, St. Andrew Church in Dix Hills was blessed with a visit from His Grace Bishop Michael, for the feast of Holy Theophany. The visit begin on Thursday evening with the festal Great Vespers and Great Blessing of Water, and continued into Friday with the Divine Liturgy and a festive meal. His Grace concelebrated the services with Archpriest John Klingel, rector, and a good contingent of parishioners who admirably made the effort to take off work and school to participate in the feast.

(Photos of the blessing can be seen here.)

The feeling of festal joy was palpable as the hymns of Theophany were sung in the candlelit church; as His Grace blessed the temple and parish hall; and as the parishioners prayerfully greeted their archpastor and drank deeply of the newly-blessed waters. All appreciated the time Vladyka spent with the parish, manifesting the episcopal ministry through his prayer, teaching, encouragement, and fellowship, and especially on this, the Great Feast of Theophany.

Christ is Baptized! In the Jordan!

Sisterhood Hosts Holiday Sale

The Sisterhood of Saints Martha & Mary held their Annual bake sale and holiday boutique yesterday from 10 am to 4 pm. A beautiful sign announcing the event graced our front lawn and folks from the neighborhood came by throughout the day. The assortment of offerings was complete: baked goods, Nativity ornaments, religious art, jewelry, handmade scarves, decorated plants. The sale will continue today through the conclusion of coffee hour. Thanks to all the parishioners who came by yesterday to support this event and your continued support today would be appreciated. Of course, we are very grateful to our Sisterhood for all the work done in preparing for and conducting this very successful event. Thanks as well to Madeline Andruk for the decorations she put up in the Church.

Photos (graciously provided by Mark) of the event may be viewed here.

Wedding of Chris & Elvira

We extend our prayers and heartfelt joy to Chris & Elvira Holfester, who were wed at St. Andrew’s this past Sunday. May Our Lord preserve them for Many Years! Photos of the wedding may be viewed here – thanks to Mark Guyer.

Adieu, Georgette

On August 13, Fr. John together with the ladies of Sts. Martha and Mary Sisterhood, gathered at The Greek Village Restaurant to bid farewell to our sister in Christ, Georgette Sykora. She will be moving to Tennessee close to her daughter and family. As an active member of St. Andrew’s Church for almost 15 years, we regret her leaving and will surely miss her.

Everyone carries a unique spirit that affects others around them, hopefully in a positive way. With Georgette, it was her loveliness of manner, liveliness of intellect, and devotion to her faith. She managed to juggle business responsibilities and family matters; Italian lessons and religious studies; the “work” needs of the parish and the worship of God – both corporate and private. Never intrusive but always available, she assisted with numerous activities that contributed to the life of St. Andrew’s. Despite personal travails, especially the loss of her husband Ed, she persevered with her duties and interests with style and grace..

She won’t be among us physically, but spiritually she will always be in our presence, and the beauty she carries with her has elevated all who experienced her riches.

Godspeed, dear lady!

St. Andrew Church Celebrates 45th Anniversary

The faithful of St. Andrew Church joined together this past weekend around their archpastor, His Grace Bishop Michael, who presided over the parish’s 45th anniversary celebration.

Marking the occasion was a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by His Grace, Fr. John, and Protodeacon Michael Sochka, who is the son of the parish’s first pastor and grew up at St. Andrew’s. Fr. Joseph Konkus, a longtime friend and retired priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, was also present for the celebration, but due to health concerns, was unable to serve. Subdeacon Gregory Sulich, visiting from the Chancery, ably supervised the altar servers, providing invaluable assistance throughout the day.