HIGHTLIGHTS FROM SEPTEMBER PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

{Financial Reports and Minutes of the Parish Council Meetings are in the Orange Book in the Church Basement for everyone to review}

Tuesday September 21, 2010

*The Financial Report and The Minutes of the August Parish Council Meeting were presented, discussed and approved.

Pastor’s Report:

  1. Funerals – None!
  1. Baptisms – None!
  1. Births –None! But praying for 5 woman who are with child….Mimi being one of them!
  1. Shut-ins – At home, nursing homes, hospitals, etc, contact or visit on a regular basis. I have been and will continue making visitations for Holy Confession and Communion during Fasting Seasons and throughout the year. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers! Updates on parishioners who had operations and those who are ill-afflicted:

Aleksey Kucmicz Awetif Pearl Livanis Richard Varhula Mary Lorchak Mildred Skubanicz

Olga Toth Olga Kluskowska Anne Walczk

  1. Church School News: There was a combined meeting of the Church School/PTO on Sunday September 12 to go over and review the Church School Calendar for the year, the Curriculum, Class Schedules, and Newly-Established Church School/PTO Guidelines as well as election of PTO Officers. The Following parents were elected to be the PTO Officers for the Church School Year 2010-2011:

President: Amy Stivala Secretary: Patty Webb

Vice-President: Olga Olhovsky, Jr. Treasurer: Tanya Cheff

Also, we lost one child but have gained another child with the new family joining the church.

  1. Handicap Accessibility Project – will be meeting with Ray George and the Accessibility Committee in the near future.
  1. Parish By-Laws update: Decided to put this on hold for now.
  1. Deanery/Diocesan News:There was no September Deanery Meeting. However, Fr. Jason, Robert Cheff, Ludwig Koerte, and Tony Kasmer attended the NJ Deanery Open Forum in South River on Tuesday September 14. Later on in the meeting, Robert and Ludwig shared their experience with the parish council.
  1. Finances/Investment of our Church: Discussed the upcoming Special Parish Meeting on Sept. 26.
  1. Review of Repointing Project: Bruce has completed the back of the church and is now working on the front of the church.
  1. Responsibilities during the Divine Liturgy: I will be reviewing these responsibilities (holding communion cloth, collection, moving Gospel Stand, Candles) with Robert, Ray, and Nick within the near future. Also, I will be working with SaraLee on a Reader’s list for the Epistle Lesson and Hours. These will be put in place to begin in September.
  1. Outreach Ministry in the community: Children’s Home Society, St. Tikhon’s Monastery and Seminary, St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Trenton Shelter
  2. Activities within our parish: Beginning in September, once again have the monthly pot-luck dinners on 1st Saturday of each month, bus trips to St. Tikhon’s Monastery and St. Vladimir Seminary, bus trip to NYC for Christmas Show and other activities, more dinners/ and ways to reach out to community.
  1. Pastoral Matters/Concerns/Attendance at church/ Growth Committee/Monthly Reports to Bishop Michael

Communications:

NONE!

Committee Report:

  1. Mission Outreach – Fr. Jason discussed the ongoing work of the Mission Outreach Committee under the chair of Vera with their efforts of sending cards, phone calls, visitations, monthly meetings and prayer services. This Ministry will resume it’s regular meetings in Early September.
  1. Ladies Altar Society –Dottie Kish/Paula Koerte/Anne Cheslock discussed the upcoming events within the Ladies Altar Society:

A. Saturday/Sunday Sept. 25-26: Hot Dog/Chicken Soup Sale

B. Nov. 14: Turkey Social

C. Dec. 5: Cabbage/Noodles

  1. Church School/PTO – Discussed in Pastor’s Report.
  1. Senior ‘R’ Club –Meeting was held on Sunday September 19! Anne CHeslock discussed the upcoming events within the Senior “R” Club:

A.November - Election of Officers will be held in November. D. Blini Sale on March 6

B.Chicken Parm Sandwich Sale for Annual Meeting in January

C.Meatball Hoagie Sale on Feb. 6

  1. Maintenance – Dave Sichik, for Paul Kavchok who was absent, presented the Proposal from Richard Kozlosky for the AC Unit in the Choir Loft. After much discussion, it was decided to have the Choir meet and petition the parish council with their decision about putting an AC Unit the Choir Loft. Anne Cheslcok will report back to the council on this matter.

Old Business:

  1. The Picnic Grounds Update was discussed about having Brothers Pizza making a parking lot and driveway/entrance that would affect the front of our Picnic Grounds. While the construction will be going on, Brothers Pizza will be handling everything. A letter from the parish council will be sent to Brothers Pizza to give our approval for the construction of the parking lot to take place. This was approved by the Parish Council.

New Business:

  1. Review of the NJ Deanery Open Forum on the OCA Proposed Strategic Plan which was held on September 14 at Ss Peter and Paul in South River, NJ. Fr. Jason, Ludwig, and Robert shared their impressions of the gathering. Some highlights are:
  1. It was well attended and our parish had a good representation
  2. His Grace Bishop MICHAEL wants to do a lot within our Diocese but wants us to go slow and work together, clergy, laity, and parishes.
  3. Have diocesan retreats for Parish Councils, Altar Servers, Family Life, Pastoral, Education.
  4. This will lead to having more involvement from among the parishes.
  5. Restore of influence and responsibility at the National Level of the Church.
  6. It needs organizational structure
  7. Needs to outlines goals and vision for our church

ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH

TRENTON, NJ

THE SPECIAL MONTHLY CHARITY COLLECTION

SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

‘Bringing Christ to all’

The Collection for the Month of SEPTEMBER will be for

ST. HERMAN ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (Kodiak, Alaska)

In September 1972, the Diocesan Assembly of the Alaskan Diocese voted unanimously to establish a pastoral school for the training of Alaskan clergy. Without funds, without buildings, without faculty, and even without a resident bishop, the faithful and clergy of the largest and oldest diocese of the Orthodox Church in America resolved, with God's help, to take a leap of faith that would result in the foundation of St. Herman Theological Seminary.

St. Herman Seminary offers a four-year program of theological, liturgical, patristic and Biblical studies leading to a diploma.

For more information about St. Herman Seminary, please visit the Seminary website at: You may also contact Archpriest John Dunlop who is the Dean of St. Herman’s Seminary at 907-486-3524

Please take a moment to reflect upon what God has given you, and to discern how you might be able to return to God a portion of the blessings you have received. For more information about Madonna Place, please refer to the Flyer on the bulletin board in the Church Hall. This collection will take place on SUNDAY OCTOBER 31!

As we continue to fulfill the work of Our Lord by building up the Body of Christ here at St. Vladimir, let us open our hearts and minds by providing support and assistance to the church and to the social services for their good work and for those whom they help and assist.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you and your families for your continued prayers and support. May GOD continue to bless you and guide you! Thank You!

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please see or contact Fr. Jason!

BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

Here at St. Vladimir’s, we love to honor our beloved parishioners who are celebrating special occasions in their life (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.). To honor the beloved parishioners of our parish who are celebrating their birthdays,

in addition to singing Happy Birthday and Many Years for them we also have a special birthday cake for them on the Last Sunday of the month.

This month we honor the following parishioners of our parish as they celebrate their birthday and we pray that GOD will continue to watch over them and grant them many blessed years of good health and happiness:

Reader Anthony Kasmer (October 6) Kyriana Meyer (October 9) Larissa Cheff (October 14)

Joseph Sabat (October 22) Sonja Lengal (October 26) Metropolitan THEODOSIUS Pauline Denko

Fr. Jason and Mat. Katia – Wedding Anniversary

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A FRIENDLY REMINDER ABOUT THE MURAL PROJECT

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we can see, the Mural is coming along so beautifully. We thank Anne Cheslock for her tireless efforts in painting the Mural and for preparing it for everyone to take part in this Parish Community Project headed by the Senior “R” Club. However, we only have 30% of the blocks purchased…which means we have 70% more to go to complete our project and to fulfill our goal. Our goal is two-fold: 1) to have something for our children, grandchildren, and future parishioners to remember us by and remember our beloved parish; 2) to help raise funds for renovations that are needed for the kitchen in Daria Hall as well to assist with the many future projects that we as a parish will undertake. If you have not purchased a mural block, you still can!! It only costs $8.34/month! However, please do not let the financial aspect of your stewardship burden you. This is a PARISH PROJECT and we need and want everyone to be involved. If anyone in the parish would like to purchase a block but needs assistance please see or contact Fr. Jason and he will be able to assist you. There are plenty of blocks open that still need to be purchased. Let us come together as a parish family and support this wonderful project. As a friendly reminder, a letter, with more information, was sent out to all parishioners explaining more about the Mural Project. For more information, please see Paul Kavchok, Anne Cheslock, Darice, or Nina. Thank you for your continued support! May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you and your families!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A FRIENDLY REMINDER ABOUT THE REPOINTING PROJECT

We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone who has donated towards the Re-pointing Project for our church. We appreciate your continued support and generosity for St. Vladimir Orthodox Church. Your continued support enables us to preserve the structural integrity of our beloved church as well to prevent further damage to the interior beauty and iconography. To this date we have over $12,600.00 collected! Thank You for your continued support and generosity for St. Vladimir Church!

May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you with many more blessed years of good health and happiness!

ST. VLADIMIR ORTHODOX CHURCH UPCOMING EVENTS

PIEROGIE MAKING SESSION #1 FOR ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAKE SALE

Once again, we are beginning to make our plans and preparations for our upcoming Annual Holiday Bake Sale which will be held on SATURDAY DECEMBER 18 in Daria Hall. We know it is only the beginning of October…but it is never too early to begin our preparations!

With this in mind, we will be gathering together on Friday October 15 and Saturday October 16 in Daria Hall to hold our first Pierogie Making Session in which we will make our “World Famous Potato Pierogies”.

Also, if anyone is able to donate the supplies that are needed to make the pierogies, or would like to make a financial contribution to assist with the making of the pierogies, please see or contact Matushka Katia and/or Olga Olhovsky Jr. (Chairpersons). This would be greatly appreciated! All help, time, talents, and assistance is greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone has any questions or would like to assist in anyway, please see or contact Matushka Katia or Olga Olhovksy Jr.

We are looking forward to seeing all of you on OCTOBER 16 and/or 17!!

May GOD continue to bless and guide all of us as we continue the work of the Church in Building up the Body of Christ here at St. Vladimir. Thank You!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

November 14

Ladies Altar Society Annual Turkey Social

Once again, the Ladies Altar Society will be holding their annual Basket Raffle and Turkey Social on Sunday November 14. With this in mind, if anyone would like to contribute or assist with this or if anyone has any questions, please see Nadja or any member of The Ladies Altar Society or see the sign-up sheet in Daria Hall. Thank you for your continued support.

May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you with

many more blessed years of good health and happiness.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Feast of the PROTECTION of Our Most Holy Lady,

the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

OCTOBER 1

The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos: "Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church, and with choirs of Saints she invisibly prays to God for us. Angels and Bishops venerate Her, Apostles and prophets rejoice together, Since for our sake she prays to the Eternal God!" This miraculous appearance of the Mother of God occurred in the mid-tenth century in Constantinople, in the Blachernae church where her robe, veil, and part of her belt were preserved after being transferred from Palestine in the fifth century. On Sunday, October 1, during the All Night Vigil, when the church was overflowing with those at prayer, the Fool-for-Christ St Andrew (October 2), at the fourth hour, lifted up his eyes towards the heavens and beheld our most Holy Lady Theotokos coming through the air, resplendent with heavenly light and surrounded by an assembly of the Saints. St John the Baptist and the holy Apostle John the Theologian accompanied the Queen of Heaven. On bended knees the Most Holy Virgin tearfully prayed for Christians for a long time. Then, coming near the Bishop's Throne, she continued her prayer.
After completing her prayer she took her veil and spread it over the people praying in church, protecting them from enemies both visible and invisible. The Most Holy Lady Theotokos was resplendent with heavenly glory, and the protecting veil in her hands gleamed "more than the rays of the sun." St Andrew gazed trembling at the miraculous vision and he asked his disciple, the blessed Epiphanius standing beside him, "Do you see, brother, the Holy Theotokos, praying for all the world?" Epiphanius answered, "I do see, holy Father, and I am in awe." The Ever-Blessed Mother of God implored the Lord Jesus Christ to accept the prayers of all the people calling on His Most Holy Name, and to respond speedily to her intercession, "O Heavenly King, accept all those who pray to You and call on my name for help. Do not let them not go away from my icon unheard." Sts Andrew and Epiphanius were worthy to see the Mother of God at prayer, and "for a long time observed the Protecting Veil spread over the people and shining with flashes of glory. As long as the Most Holy Theotokos was there, the Protecting Veil was also visible, but with her departure it also became invisible. After taking it with her, she left behind the grace of her visitation."
At the Blachernae church, the memory of the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God was remembered. In the fourteenth century, the Russian pilgrim and clerk Alexander, saw in the church an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos praying for the world, depicting St Andrew in contemplation of her. The Primary Chronicle of St Nestor reflects that the protective intercession of the Mother of God was needed because an attack of a large pagan Russian fleet under the leadership of Askole and Dir. The feast celebrates the divine destruction of the fleet which threatened Constantinople itself, sometime in the years 864-867 or according to the Russian historian Vasiliev, on June 18, 860. Ironically, this Feast is considered important by the Slavic Churches but not by the Greeks. The Primary Chronicle of St Nestor also notes the miraculous deliverance followed an all-night Vigil and the dipping of the garment of the Mother of God into the waters of the sea at the Blachernae church, but does not mention Sts Andrew and Epiphanius and their vision of the Mother of God at prayer. These latter elements, and the beginnings of the celebrating of the Feast of the Protection, seem to postdate St Nestor and the Chronicle. A further historical complication might be noted under (October 2) dating St Andrew's death to the year 936. The year of death might not be quite reliable, or the assertion that he survived to a ripe old age after the vision of his youth, or that his vision involved some later pagan Russian raid which met with the same fate. The suggestion that St Andrew was a Slav (or a Scythian according to other sources, such as S. V. Bulgakov) is interesting, but not necessarily accurate. The extent of Slavic expansion and repopulation into Greece is the topic of scholarly disputes.
In the PROLOGUE, a Russian book of the twelfth century, a description of the establishment of the special Feast marking this event states, "For when we heard, we realized how wondrous and merciful was the vision... and it transpired that Your holy Protection should not remain without festal celebration, O Ever-Blessed One!" Therefore, in the festal celebration of the Protection of the Mother of God, the Russian Church sings, "With the choirs of the Angels, O Sovereign Lady, with the venerable and glorious prophets, with the First-Ranked Apostles and with the Hieromartyrs and Hierarchs, pray for us sinners, glorifying the Feast of your Protection in the Russian Land." Moreover, it would seem that St Andrew, contemplating the miraculous vision was a Slav, was taken captive, and became the slave of the local inhabitant of Constantinople named Theognostus. Churches in honor of the Protection of the Mother of God began to appear in Russia in the twelfth century. Widely known for its architectural merit is the temple of the Protection at Nerl, which was built in the year 1165 by holy Prince Andrew Bogoliubsky. The efforts of this holy prince also established in the Russian Church the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, about the year 1164.
At Novgorod in the twelfth century there was a monastery of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos (the so-called Zverin monastery) In Moscow also under Tsar Ivan the Terrible the cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God was built at the church of the Holy Trinity (known as the church of St Basil the Blessed). On the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos we implore the defense and assistance of the Queen of Heaven, "Remember us in your prayers, O Lady Virgin Mother of God, that we not perish by the increase of our sins. Protect us from every evil and from grievous woes, for in you do we hope, and venerating the Feast of your Protection, we magnify you."