St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA
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JOHN AND SYLVIA MORRASH CELEBRATE THEIR 60TH ANNIVERSARY WITH AN ANNIVERSARY CROWNING SERVICE
At the end of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday May 31, 2009, John and Sylvia Morrash celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with their family and the people of St. Mary with an Anniversary Crowning Service. All the community of St. Mary congratulated them and wished them Many Years. It was a special opportunity to recognize these two people who have contributed so much to St. Mary’s and to wish them all the blessings of God.
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES AT ST. MARY ORTHODOX CEMETERY
On Memorial Day, May 25, the parish community came to St. Mary Orthodox Cemetery for the annual Memorial Day Services. Father David served the Trisagion Service for alll the war dead, as well as all the reposed parishioners and their families and friends. Master Sargent Retired Neno Sartino presided over the civil ceremonies with a talk given by Deacon John Karam, the National Anthem sung by Amber Hyder, taps, a memorial bell ringing by John Hyder, and the Ashley Veterans Organization with a 21 gun salute. It was a day full of prayer and remembrance for all the reposed parishioners, family and friends of those who gathered for the service.
MOTHERS' DAY PROGRAM
On Mothers’ Day there was a special breakfast and program to honor all the mothers, grand-mothers, aunts and god-mothers of St. Mary’s. The teens gave flowers to each woman and also served the breakfast which was coordinated by Suanne Moses. Several of the men, led by Andy Kuhl and Drew Mamary, cooked the meal so that the women could be honored. At the end of the meal the children put on a program to honor all mothers.
CHET & RUTH CHRZANOWSKI RECEIVE CROWNING FOR THEIR 65TH ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday, March 22, Chet and Ruth receive the Holy Crowning to celebrate the 65th anniversary of their marrage. It was a special time for their family and the entire parish. Their original Crowning took place in a small service at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, when the couple eloped to be married secretly since it was not common practice for a Syrian girl to marry a Polish boy. Their marriage was, however, quickly accepted by their families and they both are well-beloved members of St. Mary’s and of their large families.
Childrens' Christmas Pageant
On Sunday, December 21, 2008, the children and teens of St. Mary had their annual Christmas Pageant under the leadership of the Church School teachers. The children read the story of Christ’s Nativity and sang songs in honor of the birth of the Lord. Each child read a part of the Nativity Account and then led in the singing of Christmas songs. Prior to the presentation, the Women of St. Mary lit six candles on the wreath in preparation for the Birth of the Lord, as they had been doing over the previous five weeks, lighting one more candle each week in preparation for the Great Feast.
WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
On Tuesday, December 9, 2008, the Ladies of St. Mary had their annual pre-Christmas party. The women joined together for a meal at Kazimi’s Restuarant and at the end of the meal had an exchange of gifts. During the exchange, the women either took a gift from a table or a gift from another woman. Some of the gifts were taken many times from one woman after another. At the end some Christmas Carol were sung. A good evening was had by all the 40 women who came for the party.
Saint Nicholas visits the children of St. Mary's Orthodox Church
On Sunday December 7, 2008, Saint Nicholas visited the children of St. Mary’s at the end of the Divine Liturgy. During the sermon Father David spoke to the children about the life and deeds of St. Nicholas. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, as the children were singing the song “All who love Nicholas the saintly” Saint Nicholas came and gave the children the traditional gifts of gold coins, an orange and a candy cane. He spoke to the children about he importance of being helpful and obedient in their families and of the importance caring for one another.
Schedule of Events
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Quote of the Holy Fathers
It was fitting that she, who had kept her virginity intact in childbirth, should keep her own body free from all corruption even after death. It was fitting that she, who had carried the Creator as a child at her breast, should dwell in the divine tabernacles. It was fitting that the spouse, whom the Father had taken to himself, should live in the divine mansions. It was fitting that she, who had seen her Son upon the cross and who had thereby received into her heart the sword of sorrow which she had escaped when giving birth to him, should look upon him as he sits with the Father. It was fitting that God’s Mother should possess what belongs to her Son, and that she should be honored by every creature as the Mother and as the handmaid of God.
St. John of Damascus (8th century)
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It is necessary to establish a pattern of going to church as often as possible, usually to Matins, Liturgy and Vespers. Have a longing for this, and go there at the first opportunity and if you can, stay without leaving. Our church is heaven on earth. Hasten to church with the faith that it is a place where God dwells, where He Himself promised to quickly hear prayers. Standing in church, be as if you are standing before God in fear and reverence, which you express through patience, prostrations, and attention to the services without wandering thoughts.
Saint Theophan the Recluse (19th century)
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The bread you do not use is the bread of the hungry. The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of the person who is naked. The shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot. The money you keep locked away is the money of the poor. The acts of charity you do not perform are the injustices you commit.
Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (4th century)