Dear Beloved in the Lord,
The bells of our church have consistently rung since 1908. A weekly beacon of stability during uncertain times, the bells rang during wars near and far, and throughout global pandemics. They rang to celebrate our birthdays and weddings, to embrace returning veterans and college students, and to mourn our loved ones with us. May they always welcome us home.
This is the 115th Jubilee year of our parish, founded by our forefathers from across Eastern Europe; Belarus, the Carpathian Mountains– Lemkos, Russia, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. It is we, their children, their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all parishioners, who have called this Brooklyn staple our cathedral, our church, our earthly heaven.
From generation to generation, our parish has become a welcoming spiritual home to all our faithful. Our parish is blessed with a rich heritage and an active Orthodox Church family, who are ever mindful that we continue to write the history of our future, today, giving thanks for the riches of God’s bounty that have been given to us.
On Saturday, May 20, 2023 (Memorial Saturday- commemorating our departed founders and benefactors) and Sunday, May 21, 2023 (Hierarchical Divine Liturgy) we will pray for all those who have made reaching this milestone possible, with a banquet at Princess Manor, Brooklyn, New York in celebration and thanksgiving.
On Sunday, Father Wiaczeslaw cordially invites all to also celebrate his 30 years as our parish rector and almost 20 years as the Dean of the New York City Deanery. Under Father’s leadership and the time and talents of our Parish Councils, the many financially daunting needs of our church have been realized.
As our much beloved Good Shepherd and spiritual father, he prays for all of the faithful in our parish’s history. The years may pass, but the church will never forget their names.
Father’s dedication, devotion, and love for us all and our church organizations including the Sisterhood of the Myrrhbearing Women, St. Herman Brotherhood, Church School, Church School Parents Association, and choir, have contributed to the rich life of our parish.
For our church to continue its sojourn, we ask for your continued generosity of spiritual and financial support for the continual needs of our church– its renovation, refurbishment, and preservation.
May we all come together as a church family thanking God for all the blessings He has bestowed on our parish and us. “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118: 24)
With love in Christ,
Father Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk
Rector
Igor Petelski
President of the Parish Council
Ann Kandratino
Parish Council Secretary