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!

Justin Willams and Jacob Anderson graduated High School.  Justin received a gift from the Church and Jacob will receive his gift later.

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.

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.

Katya graduated from high school and was given a spiritual book for her accomplishment.  She plans to attend Princeton University.

Michael and Mia were given a copy of the Divine Liturgy book in recognition of receiving their first confession.

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.

A glorious day for David and his Family.

The installation of the Parish Council took place on Sunday, February 3, 2019

We welcome James into our Church

Pascha Celebration

A special day for Abigail and her family.

A special day to celebrate the Baptism of Wren Elizabeth

His Eminence Arch Bishop Mark served Divine Liturgy at our Church.

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.

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.

Nina changed her status from full time to part time Choir Director.  May God grant Nina many years.

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.

An Easter Egg hunt was held after Divine Liturgy on St. Thomas Sunday.

A beautiful service of Pascha was celebrated following with the blessing of baskets.

Miroslav was baptized into the Orthodox Church on Holy Saturday.  May God grant him many years.

His Eminence Archbishop Mark celebrated Presanctified Liturgy with our church.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our Church Yard Sale was a success.  Many people enjoyed the shopping, food and desserts.

Sunday School started today and there was a molieben for the teachers and students after Divine Liturgy.

Al Horek donated the two Lampadas in memory of Marie Horek.  Martha Matechak donated the gold vestments in memory of Ned Matechak.

Easter egg hunt.  Nancy Jurnack moving.  Blessing of over 1,500 graves.

Bp. Mark visited our Church with Deacon Gabriel for Divine Liturgy and a pot luck meal.  We were blessed by his visit.

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.