Divine Liturgy with Archbishop Michael - 10/04/15

On the weekend of October 3 & 4, Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Manville celebrated their 100th anniversary. On Saturday morning, a General Memorial Service was held to commemorate the departed parishioners and benefactors of the parish. There followed a brunch for all in attendance.  In the evening Vigil Service was held with Archbishop Michael and visiting clergy and faithful, followed by a  Supper in the Parish Center. On Sunday morning, Archbishop Michael celebrated Hierarchial Divine Liturgy with Fr. James Parsells, the rector and Archpriest Paul Shafron, a long-time and neighbor and friend of the parish with the following priests who are all vocations from the parish:  Archpriest Alexander Padlo (Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Miami, Fl.); Archpriest David Koles (Holy Trinity Church in New Britain, Ct.), Priest Justin Frederick (St. Maximus, Denton, Tx.), and Priest John Parsells (Christ the Savior Church, Berlin, Md.). Before the Divine Liturgy began, Archbishop Michael consecrated a new Antimension for the church and later spoke about it’s significance in his homily. A number of Gramotas were presented to parishioners as well as to Mr. George Filippakis, the iconographer who labored over 40 years in adorning the Church with Byzantine iconography  and  to Proto-Deacon Paul Sokol on the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the deaconate. Later in the day, a Grand Banquet was held at the Bridgewater Manor, where friends and former parishioners gathered together to celebrate the festal day. A sneak-preview of the one hour and 20 minute video of “The 100th Anniversary of Ss. Peter & Paul Church,” was presented. This video will be released in full in December. For all things we give Glory to God, honor our heavenly patrons, are mindful of our departed, express gratitude to our parishioners and re-dedicate ourselves to be co-workers with the Lord in service, faithfulness and love.  Thank you to Nick Kita for the wonderful pictures.