Consecration of His Grace, Bishop Michael - 05/08/10
Photos taken by members of local parish from Manville of the consecration of His Grace, Bishop Michael on Saturday May 8th at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Jersey City.
On November 23, the Georgian Orthodox Faithful gathered at Ss. Peter & Paul to celebrate the Fall Feast of the Great-Martyr George, with a Molieben celebrated by Archpriest Alexander of St. Nino Church in Brooklyn. More than a hundred people were present to honor St. George.
On Sunday, July 26, members and friends of the parish gathered for the annual picnic. Many thanks to all who participated and worked to make this day possible!
On Saturday, May 2nd our parish held "A Celebration of the Nation of Georgia: its Faith, People and Culture". The day began with a Molieben Service in Georgian by Fr. Alexander Tandishvili the rector of St. Nino Church in Brooklyn. The Service was held before the Iveron (Georgian) Icon of the Mother of God. Fr. Alexander spoke that our Orthodox Church embraces all people of all lands and uses many languages. Our Orthodox Faith is One and expressed in both unity and diversity. Fr. James Parsells, rector of Ss. Peter & Paul, welcomed all those gathered and expressed on behalf of the parish, our delight and joy to host this first time event. At the conclusion of the Service, the faithful were anointed with blessed oil from the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, founded in the 5th century and inhabited for centuries by Georgian monastics. Throughout the day the church remained opened and people came in and out to pray and light candles. In our parish hall, a feast of Georgian foods and wines and fellowship took place. Educational displays about Georgia were on display and religious items for sale. A wonderful day!
On Bright Monday, April 20th, the faithful of Ss. Peter & Paul, together with visiting clergy and friends, celebrated the festive Divine Liturgy. Due to adverse weather conditions the customary procession had to be canceled. However, those in attendance were able to share in a luncheon and fellowship following the Divine Liturgy. Many thanks to those who helped make this Paschal celebration so joyous! Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!
Greetings to all visiting our parish website, as we celebrate the Holy Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ!
May He Who was born in a Cave and lay in a manger, Christ our True God, grant you all the rich blessings of this holy feast!
30th Anniversary of Fr. James in Manville - 10/05/08
On Sunday, October 5, 2008, the faithful of Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Archpriest James Parsells' pastoral assignment to Manville. Following the Divine Liturgy, a festal meal was held in the Parish Center, during which Fr. James was presented with a gift on behalf of the parish. Present at the festivities were Archpriest David Straut, together with his parishioners from St. Elizabeth the New Martyr in Rocky Hill, NJ, and Priest John Parsells together with his family from Christ the Savior in Dagsboro, DE. Many thanks to all who made this celebration such a success! May the Lord grant Fr. James and all those who gathered for this special day many blessed years!
On Monday, September 15th, the annual Assembly of the Diocese of Washington and New York was held at Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church of South River, New Jersey. Representing Ss. Peter & Paul of Manville were Fr. James Parsells and Michael Redmond.
On Sunday, July 20th, the Annual Parish Picnic was held at the Village Swim Club in E. Brunswick. Parishioners and friends enjoyed a day of fellowship, food, swimming and recreation. Many thanks to all who helped make this year's picnic such an enjoyable time!
On Sunday, July 20th, the feast of the Prophet Elias, there was a blessing of automobiles. It is customary to have this blessing on or near the feast of the Prophet Elias who ascended into the heavens in a fiery chariot. (2 Kings 2:11)
On Sunday, June 29, 2008, the faithful of Ss. Peter & Paul celebrated their patronal feast. VRev. David Koles celebrated the Divine Services with VRev. James Parsells, Rector of the Parish, while friends and visitors from various places were in attendance. Following the Divine Liturgy and procession around the church, a festal luncheon was offered. Many thanks to all who helped make the day such a special one!
On Sunday, April 27, 2008, the faithful of Ss. Peter & Paul celebreated the Feast of Feasts, Holy Pascha. Following the Divine Services a festal meal was held in the Parish Center. Christ is Risen!
On Sunday, December 9th, Bishop Peter of Cleveland (ROCOR) celebrated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Ss. Peter & Paul Church (OCA) in Manville, New Jersey. This joyous and historic celebration manifested the new-found unity of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad and the Orthodox Church in America, made possible by the re-unification of the Russian Church Abroad and the Moscow Patriarchate.
On Bright Monday, April 9th, the faithful of Ss. Peter & Paul, together with visiting clergy and friends, celebrated the festive Divine Liturgy which was followed by a Procession. Afterwards, those in attendance shared in a luncheon, which was followed by an egg-hunt for the children. Many thanks to those who helped make this Paschal celebration so joyous! Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!
Ordination of Dn. John Parsells to the Holy Priesthood - 07/01/06
On Saturday, July 1st, 2006, His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN visited our parish to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and ordain John V. Parsells to the Holy Priesthood. A festal meal followed in the Parish Center. Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this day happen. Congratulations and many years to Fr. John, Matushka Emily, and their new daughter, Elisabeth Parsells!
Bright Monday / Romanian Choral Performance - 04/24/06
On Bright Monday, the parish community welcomed friends and guests for an Open House following the Divine Liturgy. As is the custom in Manville, many of the children took the day off from school to attend the Church Services and to spend the day with one another playing games and enjoying the Feast. Following the evening service, a liturgical and folk song concert was offered in the Parish Center by the Ars Carminis Theological Choral Group. The members of the group are students of the University of Orthodox Theology "Patriarch Iustinian Marina" in Bucharest, Romania. Following a splendid performance, the choir and attendees shared fellowship and refreshments.
On Sunday, April 23rd, the faithful gathered for the celebration of the Feast of Feasts, Holy Pascha. Despite adverse weather conditions, which forced the cancellation of the traditional procession around the church building, the liturgical celebrations were filled with resurrectional joy! Following the Nocturns, Matins, Divine Liturgy, and the blessing of the Paschal baskets in the Parish Center, many parishioners and guests stayed to exchange their Paschal greetings and to share their festal foods. Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
A Film Presentation: "The Face: Jesus in Art" - 02/26/06
"The Face: Jesus in Art", a WNET documentary, was presented on Sunday, February 26, 2006, at 2:00pm, in the upper level of the parish center. Following the film, Fr. James and Austin Kachek, the resident iconographer of the parish, led a discussion on the film as it relates to the Orthodox iconographical tradition. Then, following a tasty meal, Mr. Kachek led a tour of the church for those who were visiting the parish.
Visitation of Met. HERMAN and ordination of Dn. John Parsells - 10/30/05
On Sunday, Oct. 30th, 2005, His Beatitude, Metropolitan HERMAN visited our parish to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and ordain John V. Parsells, a parishioner and recent graduate of St. Tikhon's Seminary, to the diaconate. A festal meal followed in the Parish Center. Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this day happen. Congratulations and many years to Dn. John and Matushka Emily Parsells!
In 2005, the parish of Ss. Peter & Paul in Manville, NJ, established in 1915, celebrates 90 years of service to Christ's Holy Church. On Sunday, October 2nd, special anniversary celebrations were held as the faithful offered their thanksgiving to God in the Divine Liturgy and warmly welcomed all those who gathered for the 90th Anniversary Banquet which followed.
On Sunday, August 28th, the Ss. Peter & Paul choir, youth groups, and their families gathered for the annual Choir Picnic. The weather held out and everyone had an enjoyable time courtesy of the Kita's, who hosted the picnic!
On Wednesday, June 29th, the faithful gathered to honor our heavenly patrons, Ss. Peter and Paul. Following the Divine Liturgy and Procession, a festal meal was served in the parish center. Holy Apostles Peter and Paul pray unto God for us!
On Monday, June 20th, iconographer George Filippakis with the help of the parish's resident iconographer, Austin Kachek, began the installation of four large ceiling icons depicting the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, the Theophany of the Lord, the Transfiguration of the Lord, and the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem. In 1980, iconographer George Filippakis began work on the church's wall and ceiling icons. The church is still in the process of being completed by the work of Mr. Filippakis.
Marriage of John Parsells and Emily Straut - 06/12/05
On Sunday, June 12th, John Parsells and Emily Straut were united in the bond of Holy Matrimony. The service was performed by His Grace Bishop TIKHON, with the assistance of Dn. Paul Sokol. Following the Marriage Service, everyone was invited to the parish center for a reception and fellowship. Many thanks to all who helped make this day memorable for John and Emily! May God grant them many blessed years!
On Sunday, June 12th, His Grace Bishop TIKHON led the faithful in the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, commemorating the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea, 325 AD. His Grace also served the Vigil Service held on Saturday night. Many thanks to His Grace for his kindness, words of instruction, and leadership in the Divine Services.
Visit of His Beatitude Metropolitan HERMAN - 04/10/05
On Sunday, April 10th, His Beatitude Metropolitan HERMAN visited our parish and served the Lenten Mission Vespers. After the service everyone was invited to a lenten meal in the upper parish hall. Many thanks to all who helped make this event possible!
The Twelve Apostles' Youth Group capped off their 2004 event schedule with a trip to the Bridgewater Sports Arena for ice skating. Following the ice skating, the youth group enjoyed pizza, saw a movie, and went to a local park.
As part of the preparation for the parish's 90th anniversary (June 29, 2005) and as continuation of the church beautification process, we have undertaken to complete the church's ceiling with the installation of four large icons depicting: the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple, the Theophany of the Lord, the Transfiguration of the Lord, and the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem. Should you wish to participate in this project you may do so by filling out this form, or contacting Fr. James at 908-685-1452.
Youth Group Waterpark Trip - 08/31/04
The Twelve Apostles Youth Group concluded their summer events with a trip to Camel Beach Waterpark located in Tannersville, PA. Of the 22 water slides and attractions some of the favorites were the Titan, the Triple Venom, and the Sidewinder.
The Ss. Peter & Paul choir, youth groups, and their families gathered on Sunday, August 22nd, for the annual Choir Picnic. A good time was had by all. Thanks once again to the Kita's for hosting the picnic!
The servants of God, Alexander and Martin were baptized and chrismated on Saturday, July 31st. Following the outdoor Baptism, the faithful processed into the church for the Chrismation. The joyous occasion concluded with a luncheon in their honor. Many blessed years to Alexander, Martin, their family and sponsors!
The 12 Apostles Youth Group enjoyed a beautiful day at the Bronx Zoo. Among the exhibits viewed, some of the favorites were the Congro Gorilla Forest, the Skyfari, and the Sea Lions. After the visit to the zoo the youth group had pizza and played games.
The faithful gathered for the Patronal Feast to honor the Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul. Among the visiting clergy were Fr. David Straut from St. Elizabeth's in Rocky Hill, NJ, Fr. Michael Carney from St. Herman's in Grand Rapids, MI and Fr. Witalis Suszczenia from Holy Trinity, Rahway, NJ. Parishioners were present from our OCA parishes in Paramus, Brick, Glen Gardner, Rocky Hill and Rahway. Following the Divine Liturgy and procession a delightful festal meal was held at the parish center. Afterwards, the youth spent the afternoon at a pool party. The festal day concluded with the faithful gathering for an Akathist to Ss. Peter and Paul. Many thanks to all who attended from near and far!
The Ss. Peter & Paul choir, youth groups, and their families gathered on Sunday, August 22nd, for the annual Choir Picnic. A good time was had by all. Thanks once again to the Kita's for hosting the picnic!
Orthodoxy in America
