112 Річниця Духовного Служіння Української Православної Парафії Святого Духа в Ковтсвил, Пенсильванія
His Eminence Metropolitan Antony visited the Holy Ghost Church in Coatesville, Pa on September 26, 2021.
The Archpastoral visit began with a procession from the Rectory to the Church, led by parishioners bearing Icon Banners and children lining the path to the Church with rose petals. The Metropolitan was accompanied by a Deacon and three Seminarians from St. Sophia’s Seminary.
Kailey Pyszczymuka presented His Eminence with a bouquet of flowers, followed by the traditional greeting of “Korovai” bread and salt by Church Board President, Illaria Steele.
Church Pastor, Fr. Nicholas Dilendorf, and visiting priest, Fr. Myron Oryhon, welcomed the Metropolitan on behalf of the congregation of the Holy Ghost Church, which is celebrating it’s 112th anniversary.
Prior to celebrating the Holy Liturgy, Metropolitan Antony ordained Reader Wesley Hatch as a Subeacon. Wesley has served in the Holy Altar with priests of our parish for several decades and was deemed worthy of this elevation.
Metropolitan Antony’s sermon was edifying and thought provoking. He spoke of the Guidance and Grace of the Holy Spirit within us and that we must continually be open to that Grace and Guidance in order to live lives according to our Lord’s expectations of us. It is necessary for us to continually refocus our inner being – our heart, mind and soul – on the meaning of Christ abiding in us – the Divine being one with us – for every aspect of our lives. It is not enough to simply “attend” Diving Liturgy, receive the Eucharist, and consider ourselves in good relationship with God in the Holy Trinity. The “good relationship” involves ongoing, minute by minute contemplation of what God’s Will is for us, what is expected of us who bear His Name “Christian”. If we walk out the doors at the conclusion of Liturgy only to ignore Christ within, the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and healing our infirmities throughout the rest of the week, then our hope for salvation is greatly weakened. He reminded us that we need to forgive those who transgress against us in order to be forgiven, and to be as One in Christ.
Following Liturgy, Metropolitan Antony presented Hramotas (certificates) of Appreciation for dedicated service to the Church to: Dorothy Curry, Joan Leslie, Nancy Foreman, Sharon Perry, Helen Domsohn, Minerva Hawa, Brenda Euler, and Bryan Domsohn.
Centennial Medals of the UOC of the USA were also presented to: Verna Bruno, who has baked Prosphora for Liturgy for over 20 years; Linda Gindin, who has served as Choir Director for decades; Greg Kuzmenchuk, who has served many terms as Parish Board Financial Secretary and the major force behind the Parish Festivals; Irene Pashesnik, who has always been among the first to financially and spiritually support not only the Parish, but also the various projects of the Ukrainian Orthodox League and the entire UOC of USA and Rose Dmytryk and her husband John, posthumously, for their generous financial assistance to the parish and the donation of their home and entire property to the UOC of USA for the establishment of a future Monastery. A final Centennial Medal was awarded posthumously to Avelino “Abby” Teijaro, for a lifetime of exceptional service to the Parish.
Afterwards, a celebratory luncheon was held at the Thorndale Inn for the Metropolitan, Seminarians, and parishioners from Holy Ghost Church, as well as Fr. Steven Miller, Matushka Jackie, son Joseph and other parishioners from neighboring St. Nicholas (OCA) Church.
As his spiritual children, the parishioners of Holy Ghost Church in Coatesville wish to thank His Eminence Metropolitan Antony for his sincere care and warmth. This spiritual as well as social event was truly enjoyed by all. Is Polla Eti Despota!!! We are also grateful to those who accompanied His Eminence for our visit: Deacon Myroslav Mykytiuk, Subdeacon Jaroslav Bilohan and seminarians Andrij Vatrich and Mykola Stefanek. My God bless them all in their continued studies in preparation for the Holy Priesthood.
|
|