Nativity Retreat in Crossingville
There will be a Nativity retreat, “Living in purity and preparation for the Second Coming – and how to be in the world but not of it,” held at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church (25636 N. Mosiertown Rd. Crossingville, PA) on December 13th-14th. Fr. Zachariah Lynch will be the main speaker; additional speakers include Fr. Daniel Mathewson and Dr. Katya Hill. If you are interested in more details, please contact Fr. Daniel Mathewson at fr.danielm@gmail.com.
Internet Survey: “Your Parish: Two Years Since the Pandemic and Going Forward”
Approximately two years ago, you may have filled out a survey that was part of a national study called “Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations.” In addition to many other American churches, about 200 Orthodox parishes took part. Now, two years later, we are asking all adult members (18+) of our parish to fill out a second survey on the same topic. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes; there is also a short video available about the study itself. Please note that even if you did not fill this survey out two years ago, you may fill it out now. Thank you for your participation!
Help Those Affected by Hurricane Helene
Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene, which has struck communities from Florida to North Carolina. Flooding, downed trees, and dangerous conditions have left millions without power or clean water.
The International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is already on the ground, assessing the situation and providing much-needed emergency aid. IOCC’s Frontliners and Action Teams have a long history of responding to hurricanes, providing emergency supplies, clean-up and home restoration, emotional and spiritual care, and financial assistance to affected communities. They are uniquely prepared to respond to this crisis, bringing comfort and hope to those in need.
Please consider making a donation to IOCC’s US Emergency Response Fund to help those in need. Your generosity will provide critical relief right now and support long-term recovery efforts.
Fr. Andrew Damick coming to STATE COLLEGE! – An Invitation to an OCF Event
📣 Attention Parishioners, Penn State Students, Community Members, and Friends! 📣
Parishioners, Penn State students, community members, and friends are invited to a special OCF lecture and discussion with author of Arise, O God. and “Lord of Spirits” podcast co-host, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick. Fr. Andrew will present an engaging lecture on “What Do Demons Have to Do with the Gospel?” followed by a Q&A session.
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, October 8th
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
📍 Location: 107 Forest Resources Building, Penn State Campus (Off E Park Ave, near the Arboretum, next to the East Parking Deck)
📚 Fr. Andrew will also be selling copies of his book at the event!
Come early, bring your friends, and be part of this insightful evening with the Penn State Orthodox Christian Fellowship and Fr. Andrew Damick. We look forward to seeing you there!
Young Adult Retreat – Caring for God’s Creation: The Self
Orthodox Christians aged 18-35 are invited to a weekend of reflection, fellowship, and spiritual renewal at the annual Young Adult Fall Retreat, happening the weekend of October 25-27, 2024, at Camp Nazareth. This year’s theme, “Caring for God’s Creation: The Self,” will be explored by keynote speaker Alex Balouris, who will guide participants in understanding how we can honor God by caring for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. Our Archdiocese is co-hosting the retreat with the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh Y2AM, and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Father Alexander Cadman and Luke Sidorick from our archdiocese is serving on the retreat’s planning committee and will also attend the event. For more details and registration, visit https://tinyurl.com/yafall2024.
ORTHODOXY 101 RETURNS
Holy Trinity’s traditional “Orthodoxy 101” fall inquirers class makes its return at 7 pm on Wednesday evenings, beginning on September 18th. Sessions will be taught by a rotating cast of Fr. Ignatius, Protodeacon Mark, Anna Stickles, and Gary Cattell, and can serve as a perfect bridge point for introducing our friends and neighbors to the Orthodox faith.
Sept 18 – The Orthodox Doctrine of God
Sept 25 – Introduction to Orthodox Worship
Oct 2 – The Saving Work of Jesus Christ
Oct 9 – “How do I ‘get saved?’”
Oct 16 – The Bible, Scripture, and Tradition
Oct 23 – A Timeline of Church History
Oct 30 – Mary, the Saints, and the Veneration of Icons
Nov 6- Orthodox Practices of Piety
Nov 13 – Orthodox Ethics & Conclusion
CANCELLED: Adult Education: Hardest Sayings In Matthew
CANCELLED – Due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight’s Adult Ed lecture on the “Hard Sayings in the Gospel of Matthew” has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reschedule this lecture in the near future.
Every book of Scripture contains certain phrases and passages that are difficult to explain or understand. Please join Fr. Ignatius on September 12th at 6 pm as he makes an exploration of select difficult-to-understand passages from the Gospel of St. Matthew. Topics to be discussed will include “new wine and old wineskins,” “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit,” and God as “not the God of the dead but of the living.”
Youth Pascha Workshop 2024
On Saturday April 27 2024, the youth of the church (and adults) enjoyed egg coloring, crafting handprint flowers, making Pascha bread, and folding Palm crosses.
