The Penn State Orthodox Christian Fellowship announced last month their event schedule for Fall 2011. In addition to their weekly dinner meeting on Thursdays at 6 p.m. in 212 Pasquerilla, the schedule includes a Labor Day BBQ dinner at Spring Creek Park, a hayride on October 23, and three “Stump-the-Priest Nights” featuring Fr. John. The group also committed to participate in THON next year. Visit clubs.psu.edu/orthodox for more information.
Get a Taste of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Get a taste of what Orthodox Christian Fellowship is all about–literally! All Penn State undergraduates and graduate students are invited to attend a free “welcome” dinner at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 25 at 212 Pasquerilla Center. We’ll have a sampling of take-out food from our favorite State College restaurants while we share the various events planned for the semester. Then we will walk to the Creamery afterwards. Bring a friend or roommate.
Sunday School Looking for Teachers
Our parish is growing and we need teachers! We would like to add an additional elementary class to provide better age-appropriate instruction for our children. Please prayerfully consider becoming a part of the Sunday School staff, and if you are interested, contact Deacon Mark. There will be a teacher kick-off meeting for all new and returning teachers this Saturday (August 27) at 5 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Welcome Back, Students!
Whether you are a new to Penn State this year or coming back after summer break, be sure to join us for worship at Holy Trinity and fellowship with OCF. All students are invited to attend a free “welcome back” dinner at 6pm on Thursday, August 25 at 212 Pasquerilla Center. We look forward to meeting you!
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Chapel Purchases Land in Beavertown
Through the grace of God and the faithful support of the members of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, the purchase of the land at Walnut and Kern Streets in Beavertown was completed this morning, August 16!
Thank you to all who have supported this effort, spiritually and financially, and to those who continue to labor with us as we make our plans for the best possible use of this property.
Please include a prayer of thanksgiving for this blessing in your daily prayers. Thanks again for your efforts, past and present.
– Fr. Basil
Back-to-School Drive Continues Through August 21
Please remember our Back-to-School Drive. Some of the items requested are backpacks, Crayola crayons (24-pack or smaller), glue sticks, magic markers, wooden pencils, mechanical pencils & lead, dry-erase markers, and three- or five-subject and spiral notebooks. Monetary donations are also appreciated as we purchase any outstanding items for our 40+ sponsored children. Please bring your contributions to church by this Sunday, August 21. Thank you for your support of Matthew 25!
Annual Meeting Scheduled
The Parish Annual Meeting will occur on Sunday, November 13. The later date better accommodates our delegation to the 16th All-American Council: Fr. John, Fr. Basil, Dn. Alex, and Michael Stickles. The triennal sobor begins October 31 in Seattle.
2011 Back-to-School Drive Kicks Off
Please remember our Back-to-School Drive when shopping this week. Some of the items requested are backpacks, Crayola crayons (24-pack or smaller), glue sticks, magic markers, wooden pencils, mechanical pencils & lead, dry-erase markers, and three- or five-subject and spiral notebooks. Monetary donations are also appreciated as we purchase any outstanding items for our 40+ sponsored children. Please bring your contributions to church by this Sunday, August 21. Thank you for your support of Matthew 25!
Meteorologists Fail to Explain Descending Cloud on Place of the Lord’s Transfiguration
ISRAEL [via Interfax] – Science cannot explain a mystery of a cloud that every year descends on the Mount Tabor where, according to the Bible, the Transfiguration of the Lord took place.
According to Sergey Mirov, a participant in the research organized by the working group on miraculous signs at the Synodal Theological Commission, Russian and Israeli meteorologists concluded that fog cannot be generated in such dry air and temperature.
Mirov stressed that the “descending of the blessed cloud” takes place only in the territory of the Orthodox monastery. He said that during the Feast of the Transfiguration, the cloud appears above the cross of the church. It then grows and descends on believers, covering them and pouring life-giving moisture over them.
Mirov’s group also examined the Holy Fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem with the help of modern, highly accurate equipment. The lead scientist, Russian Academy of Natural Sciences academician Pavel Florensky, found that the appearance of fire there is accompanied with a “powerful piezoelectrical phenomenon” similar to those that take place during thunderstorms. But since no storm was present at the time, “this event can be considered miraculous,” he believes.
Join Us at Newcomers’ Night
Mark your calendars!
Holy Trinity’s annual social for newcomers and anyone looking to learn more about the life of our parish community will take place Thursday, September 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. View full calendar. This enjoyable and informal evening gives you an opportunity to interact with clergy, staff, and ministry leaders to discover the various outreach, educational, and fellowship activities taking place. Whether you’ve just joined Holy Trinity or been around for a long time, come and learn how you can get involved. Refreshments will be provided. Learn more about Holy Trinity’s ministries.

