
Holy Pentecost
Holy Pentecost - 06/12/2022 Σ’πραζδνηκομ - Blessed feast of Pentecost with kneeling prayers! A joyous day for Michael Keklak became a catechumen!
Photos: courtesy of Fr Michael’s 10 year old son, Rodion
(18 images) DOEPA Clergy Continuous Education: Holy Unction
Holy Unction - 05/05/2022 On Thursday, 5th of May, St Michaels Orthodox Church welcomed special guest speaker, Fr. Victor Gorodenchuk. Fr. Victor is a graduate of St. Tikhon Orthodox Theological Seminary ('99), and was raised in the former atheistic Soviet Union. He holds a Master of Science degree from the prestigious Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology ('93). His talk entitled, “Unto the Healing of Soul and Body: The History and Theology of Holy Unction.” was brought to the clergy of the diocese after many years of prayer and research in which it was enthusiastically received by all who were in attendance. Fr. Victor spent about 4 years researching the history, developement, and current practice of Holy Unction and used this knowledge as his thesis for his PH.d in Liturgics from Catholic University. The mystery of Holy Unction, as with the other sacraments of the Church, is a revelation of Christ's love for His creation. The service shows us that we do not act on our own from our own power. Rather, it is Christ who answers our pleas for help: O Savior, who like incorruptible myrrh dost empty Thyself utterly in grace and purify the world, show divine mercy and bounty on the bodily wounds of him who in faith is about to receive Unction. (Troparion on Ode 4 of the Canon) Thank you to Bev Elko and Marie Pasternak who came to help set up the lunch in support of our luncheon. I would like to say thank you to Maria Augustine from Augustine's Club 17 (https://augustinesclub17.com) who donated her world famous Old Forge Pizza for our luncheon! Thank you all!
(17 images) High School Graduation
High School Graduation - 06/27/2021 Justin Willams and Jacob Anderson graduated High School. Justin received a gift from the Church and Jacob will receive his gift later. (1 images) Blessing of Graves
Blessing of Graves - 05/14/2020 Due to the Pandemic with limited gatherings, the blessing of the graves took place without notification to the parish. Over 1,500 graves were blessed in both Sibley and Minooka cemeteries. (6 images) Visit from Bishop Mark
Visit from Bp. Mark - 05/23/2021 Our church enjoyed a beautiful visit from His Eminence Archbishop Mark. Danny Jones and Pat Jones received a Gramata for all their dedication and work on behalf of the church. (4 images) Katia's High School Graduation
Katya's Graduation - 08/04/2019 Katya graduated from high school and was given a spiritual book for her accomplishment. She plans to attend Princeton University. (1 images) First Confession
First Confession - 06/30/2019 Michael and Mia were given a copy of the Divine Liturgy book in recognition of receiving their first confession. (3 images) Post Office delivery of Food
Post Office delivery of food - 05/11/2019 The U.S. Post Office collects food on the second Saturday of May and then distriubutes it to local Food Pantries. St. Michael's Orthodox Food Pantry is one of those receipients and we are so greatful. We received 5,405 lbs. this year and we are blessed to then distribute it to families in need in Old Forge, Duryea and Taylor. (8 images) Baptism of David
Installation of Parish Council
Installation of Parish Council - 02/03/2019 The installation of the Parish Council took place on Sunday, February 3, 2019 (3 images) Baptism of James
Baptism of Abigail
Baptism of Wren Elizabeth
Baptism of Wren Elizabeth - 03/18/2017 A special day to celebrate the Baptism of Wren Elizabeth (5 images) Bp. Mark serving
Bp. Mark serving - 03/05/2017 His Eminence Arch Bishop Mark served Divine Liturgy at our Church. (4 images) Installation of Parish Council
Installation of 2017 Parish Council - 01/22/2017 His Eminance Arch Bishop Mark gave his blessing for the 2017 Parish Council members to serve. The installation of the oath of office took place after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 22, 2017. (3 images) 125th Anniversary
St. Michael's 125th Anniversary - 11/06/2016 St. Michael's Orthodox Church celebrated its 125th Anniversary. His Eminence Arch Bishop Mark was unable to make it due to his mother passing away on Friday, November 4th. Sandra Condon, Jean Wasko and Dorothy Polanchik were awarded a Gramata. A catered meal was enjoyed by everyone in our Hall basement. (20 images) Nina's Retirement
Nina's change from full time to part time Choir Director - 06/26/2016 Nina changed her status from full time to part time Choir Director. May God grant Nina many years. (4 images) Jake Emily's Graduation
Jake Emily's Graduation - 06/12/2016 Jake Emily graduated from Scrant Prep High School. Jake was presented with an Orthodox Study Bible and he is planning to attend St. Joe' University. (3 images) St. Thomas Sunday Easter Egg Hunt
St. Thomas Sunday Easter Egg Hunt - 05/08/2016 An Easter Egg hunt was held after Divine Liturgy on St. Thomas Sunday. (6 images) Pascha - Blessing of Baskets
Pascha - Blessing of Baskets - 05/01/2016 A beautiful service of Pascha was celebrated following with the blessing of baskets. (13 images) Miroslav-Baptism
Baptism of Miroslav - 04/30/2016 Miroslav was baptized into the Orthodox Church on Holy Saturday. May God grant him many years. (7 images) Bp.-Marks-visit
Bishop Mark's visit - 04/20/2016 His Eminence Archbishop Mark celebrated Presanctified Liturgy with our church. (3 images) Sunday School Presentation on their Patron Saint
Sunday School Presentation of their Patron Saint - 02/21/2016 The Sunday School students gave a short presentation to the church at the end of Divine Liturgy on their Patron Saint. Each of the students made an icon of their Patron Saint. (6 images) OCMC Missionary Archimandrite Fr. Juvenaly Repass visit
OCMC Missionary Archimandrite Fr. Juvenaly Repass - 12/20/2015 OCMC Missionary Archimandrite Fr. Juvenaly Repass came to our church to help raise funds for this trip to Guatemala. Fr. Juvenaly taught Sunday school and he also informed us of his plans to Guatemala. We were blessed to have Fr. Juvenaly spend the weekend with us. (5 images) Fr. Theodore Orzolek's 50th anniversary to the Priesthood
Fr. Theodore Orzolek's 50th anniversary to the Priesthood - 12/19/2015 A Molieben was served on behalf of Fr. Theodore Orzolek's 50th anniversary to the priesthood. A luncheon followed at Arcaro and Genell. May God grant Fr. Theodore many years. (5 images) Bp. Mark's Visit
Bp. Mark's Visit - 11/01/2015 St. Michael's Church graciously welcomed His Eminence Arch Bishop Mark to celebrate Divine Liturgy and for fellowship. His Eminence awarded a Gramata to John and Irene Pritchyk, Al Pritchyk and Al Horek for their many years of service to the church. (7 images) Church Yard Sale
Church Yard Sale - 09/26/2015 Our Church Yard Sale was a success. Many people enjoyed the shopping, food and desserts. (13 images) Church School Blessing
Church School Blessing - 09/06/2015 Sunday School started today and there was a molieben for the teachers and students after Divine Liturgy. (1 images) Blessing of new vestments and lampadas
Blessing of new vestments and lampadas - 07/05/2015 Al Horek donated the two Lampadas in memory of Marie Horek. Martha Matechak donated the gold vestments in memory of Ned Matechak. (3 images) St. Thomas Sunday
St. Thomas Sunday - 04/19/2015 Easter egg hunt. Nancy Jurnack moving. Blessing of over 1,500 graves. (14 images) Fr. Steven Votovich visit
Fr. Steven Votovich, dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary visits our Church with Miracle working icon of St. Anna - 02/01/2015 (7 images) Fr. Peter's 9th Anniversary to the priesthood and John's birthday
Fr. Peter's 9th Anniversary to the Priesthood and John's birthday - 09/24/2014 (1 images) Bp. Mark's visit
Bishop Mark's visit - 05/25/2014 Bp. Mark visited our Church with Deacon Gabriel for Divine Liturgy and a pot luck meal. We were blessed by his visit. (14 images) Dr. Eli Stavisky - Honorary Doctorate
Dr. Eli Stavisky received Honorary Doctorate from St. Tikhon's Seminary - 05/24/2014 (2 images) Blessing of the Parish Council
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Blessing of the Graves
Blessing of the Graves - 05/01/2022 St. Michael’s Parish had Panikhida Service in both St. Michael's Cemetery at Sibley and Minooka Cemetery on Sunday morning, May 1st after Divine Liturgy. We were able to remember all those who have departed this life before us, our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, cousins and other relatives, and to pray for their salvation. The last time this was done was in 2020 due to the pandemic and after Panikhida Fr. Michael blessed over 1500 graves in both cemeteries. We are very grateful to all parishioners who were able to come and participate. Thus they fulfilled the words of the Apostle Paul in Hebrews 13, 7. He commanded us to remember our fathers and mothers, who handed to us the most precious thing in this world, which is the Orthodox Faith. (11 images) St Michaels Welcomes their new Priest
St Michaels Welcomes Fr Michael Shepherd and his family to Old Forge
By way of introduction, St Michael's would like to introduce you our new Priest. Fr Michael was assigned to us on March 28th, 2022. Fr Michael Shepherd has spent his entire life serving others and spent most of his adult life serving in the US Army. Fr Michael has been all over the world and enjoys meeting people from other cultures and countries. He is a graduate of Troy State University in 2012 with a BS in Criminal Justice and at that time had hoped to become a Juvenile Probation Officer after leaving the military. During his 22 years in the US Army, Fr. Michael served both as an enlisted soldier and as an officer. Fr. Michael loved serving in the US Army and some of his most memorable assignments were in the 82nd Airborne Division, being a Drill Sergeant, and later as an officer where he trained second lieutenants to function as unit Human Resource Managers at the Soldier Support Institute at Fort Jackson, SC. He holds many decorations and recognitions for his military service, including the two Bronze Star Medals, one with “V” Device for valor. He has attended many professional military schools and has received many badges to recognize his specialized military training as an Infantryman, a Paratrooper, a Jumpmaster, Total Army Instructor Certified, and a Drill Sergeant. Fr Michael and Matushka Emilia have been married for 24 years and have four wonderful children: Blaise, Maximus, Rodion, and Savina. They all love serving the Church as much as Fr Michael does. All the children (where they have a blessing too) serve either in the altar with Fr Michael or sing in the choir loft with Matushka Emilia. Fr Michael and his family love spending most of their time outdoors by camping, hiking, and riding bikes. Matushka Emilia has earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Accounting and a Masters of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Fr. Michael was ordained to the Holy Diaconate July 2nd, 2016 by His Eminence Alexander, Bishop of Dallas and the Diocese of the South and after 22 years of serving in the US Army, he and his wife decided it was time to listen to God’s calling and enter into seminary. Fr Michael was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Soul Saturday (May 26) Memorial Day Weekend 2018 at St. Tikhon’s Monastery by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon. Fr Michael is now a 2020 Master of Divinity graduate of St Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary. Since graduation, Fr Michael has served in the diocese as a supply priest and we are exciting that he now serves St Michaels permanently. Please come and say hello to Fr Michael, Mat. Emilia and his children! |