St. John Chrysostom Patronal Feast

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM CHURCH, YORK, PA PATRONAL WEEKEND

St. John Chrysostom Church, York, PA, celebrated its patronal weekend, 13th anniversary as a parish, and first anniversary of the consecration of the new temple, November 11-13, 2005. The weekend’s festivities began as the Very Reverend Fr. Peter Pier and the parish council welcomed His Grace, Bishop THOMAS, at a dinner Friday evening.

On Saturday evening, Great Vespers, Lityia, and Artoklasia were served by Fr. Peter, who was assisted by area clergy including Very Reverend Fr. Costas Kearas, Dean of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Camp Hill, PA, Very Reverend Fr. Gregory Matthewes-Green, pastor of Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Linthicum, MD, Fr. Andrew Tsikitas, pastor of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, York, PA, Fr. Elias Yelovich, St. Mary Church, Chambersburg, PA , Deacon Mark O’Dell, Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Linthicum, MD, and Deacon John Shumski, of St John Chrysostom Church. Also in attendance was Fr. Michael Roshak of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Stafford, VA.

Immediately following the service, the congregation proceeded to the annual Grand Banquet, which was held for the first time in the new fellowship hall adjacent to the church. The beautifully decorated hall was filled to capacity. Everyone enjoyed a sumptuous meal and delicious ethnic desserts supplied by the ladies of the parish. Bishop THOMAS gave the keynote address in which he said we are all called to be missionaries. He encouraged each of us to bring a friend or relative to church in order to further spread our Orthodox faith in the United States. Bishop THOMAS was given a few gifts on behalf of the congregation.

On Sunday morning, Orthros was celebrated, followed by Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. At the conclusion of Liturgy, Robert Timko was inducted into the Order of St. Ignatius. The children of the parish then sang a troparion to Sayidna, and presented him with candy and flowers.

More photos of the event...