On December 19, 2011 parishioners from Holy Trinity donated food to the families of needy children from Madison School in Rahway. At the beginning of the Nativity fast the parishioners started collecting non-perishable food items and also money for the purchase of turkeys and fresh fruits and vegetables. At the end of the food drive we filled 5 large boxes! We thank God for the opportunity to serve those around us in need. Special thanks to Gary from Madison School for picking up and delivering the boxes!

Father Thaddeus Franta has been assigned to Holy Trinity parish. He served his first liturgy at Holy Trinity on October 16, 2011. Father Thaddeus and his wife Matushka Velislava moved into the rectory in November. They thank the parish community for the warm welcome!

Our parish will have its annual parish picnic after the Divine Liturgy on July 31st at the home of Mitzi Piscatelli.  There is a sign up sheet on the refrigerator in the social hall.  Please bring you, your family, and any friends that would like to spend the day with us.

Many thanks to all who came out to show support for the youth of the parish.  It could not have been possible without the help, donations and purchases of the members of this parish.  The youth are planning on a trip to Clementon Park toward the end of the summer, and your donations have made it possible.  They raised over $353.  Thank you.  With all of this success, they are thinking of repeating the effort again in the fall.

Pictures coming soon.

The weather and friendship was excellent, despite the gloomy weather forecast.  As an end of the Sunday School year celebration, the children traveled to Sandy Hook beach to have a Peanut Butter and Jelly Picnic, as had been announced in the Church for several weeks beforehand.  The day began with swimming, and frolicking, followed by the PBJ exchange, scavenger hunt and sandcastle building contest.  This was all followed by a walk through the nature preserve, where we found many interesting shells and saw some angry sand crabs.  All in all, it was a fitting end to the year, despite the poor turnout.  

On the feast-day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (24 June), Bishop Michael issued a letter to the faithful of the diocese on the sanctity of marriage.  This comes in light of social-cultural arguments and debates in which the very nature and structure of civil marriage lead to confusion and legislative assertions that are contrary to the Tradition and teaching of the Church.  Read the entire letter here.

Grant rest eternal and blessed repose, O Lord, to the soul of Your Handmaiden Natalie who is fallen asleep, and make her memory to be eternal!

Following is her official obituary:

 Natalie Warhollick, 87, of Linden, N.J., passed away Monday at home. Visiting will be Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Pettit-Davis Funeral Home 371 West Milton Ave., Rahway, N.J., www.pettitdavisfuneralhome.com. Pennsylvania visiting hours will be Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Dutchavich Funeral Home, Minersville, Pa. (570)544-3492. Services will be on Friday at 10 a.m. in Ss. Peter and and Paul Orthodox Church, followed by burial in the Church Cemetery, Branch Township, Pa. Born in Forestville, Pa., Mrs. Warhollick moved to Linden 47 years ago. She was a member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Rahway. Mrs. Warhollick was employed by Pathmark, Carteret, N.J., for 16 years before retiring in 1984. Surviving are her beloved husband of 59 years, Peter; two daughters, Jacqueline Warhollick and Elaine Kuchno and her husband, Michael Sr.; she was also loved by two grandchildren, Michael Kuchno Jr. and Nicole Kuchno, and many nieces and nephews.

The most celebrated account of the Ascension is in the Acts of the Apostles (1:9-12). For forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus continued to preach the Gospel. Jesus and the eleven were gathered near Mt. Olivet (or the Mount of Olives), to the northeast of Bethany. Jesus tells his disciples that they will receive the power of the Holy Spirit  and that they will spread his message the world over. Jesus is taken up and received by a cloud. Some traditions say that he was taken up in a fiery chariot, much like the Prophet Elijah. Two men clothed in white appear and tell the disciples that Jesus will return in the same manner as he was taken. They say: "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, Who is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven" (Acts 1:11).[1] Afterwards, the disciples return to Jerusalem rejoicing, remaining continually in the Temple.

To read more, see http://orthodoxwiki.org/Ascension

On Mothers’ Day, the youth of the parish honored all of the women and especially their own moms.  Each lady of the parish was given a long stem carnation in token of her role as a mother in the faith and as a good example of what it means to be an Orthodox woman.  The Sunday School prepared potted plants with icons of the Theotokos during their lesson to be given to their mothers.  It was a double blessing that this day also falls on the third Sunday of Pascha, the Myrrhbearers Women.  These eight women (can you still name them?) were mothers of the faith and faithful examples of how we also ought to be living.

 

Pictures from Holy Week and Pascha

Over 100 pounds of clothing and just as much in gift cards was donated to a local family who had a devastating fire late last month.  This was another project that was headed up by the youth of our parish in response to the needs of our neighbors.  For several weeks, we collected clothing and gift card donations.  This was collected and sent to the family on Great and Holy Friday.  It is very fitting that on a day when we see the ultimate love of Christ for mankind that we in turn offer some of our good things for our neighbors.  If you still feel called to donate either clothing or gift certificates, please send your donations to the parish, and they will be sent on to the family.

On Saturday, April 2nd a new member of Christ’s Holy Church was brought into the flock.  James Sanford Inman was baptized and chrismated into the Orthodox faith.  Surrounded by a packed sanctuary, his parents and godparent were very proud to offer this firstborn son to be a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Following the sacraments, a fine dinner reception was  held in honor of the Newly-Illumined James.  May we all continue to remember the child and his family in prayer and strive to bring him up in the ancient faith of our fathers.  Glory to God for all things!  Pictures to come.

As we continue to pray for the mission of Warm The Children, Barbara shared with us some photos from the children that received the generous donations.  Accompanying this article are some pictures from Fr. Victor of Belarus.  Several of the pictures are Christmas celebrations, primarily by and for the children of the village as well as those from the local Internat (Boarding School).
   Please enjoy these very colorful images.

On Saturday and Sunday, February 12th and 13th, His Grace Bishop Michael joined us for his first visit as our archpastor. Having visited last year for a mission vespers service, we were familiar with the message of love and humility that Vladyka brings with him.
   On Saturday night, before Great Vespers, Vladyka Michael had dinner with the Parish Council and listened to their thoughts about direction of our parish. After that, 20 parishioners and friends joined us for the Great Vespers service. This was followed by a dessert reception. It was quite fitting that the sweet joy of the resurrection was joined to sweet treats. Vladyka spoke about the harmony of the Gospels. His lecture was so endearing that there was an immediate call for him to return to continue with the talk.
  Sunday morning saw Vladyka being processed to the Church by the children of the parish. He was greeted with a fresh baked bread from Lilianna’s mother, Alexandrina. During the sermon, Vladyka spoke about the need for humility as we begin our Lenten journey for this year. Humility is knowing who we are, and that we are made from the same dust as Adam. Regardless, we are loved by God who has done all things first to save us.
   After the Divine Liturgy there was a festive potluck meal. Mashed potatoes, borscht, eggplant parm, roast beef. It was quite an amazing meal, and a true example of our love for one another in Christ. When we were finished eating, His Grace answered questions that the Church School children had prepared – such questions as: Why is the carpet red? Why is confession important? Why do bishops where hats? Why do we use candles? He also fielded questions from the adults again. He shared many wonderful insights into our Holy Orthodox faith.
   We are looking forward to having Vladyka Michael as our guest again, when we will once again see the love of Christ in the image of the Bishop surrounded by his faithful and priests.

The NJ District of The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) again sponsored the unforgettable ice-skating event at the Ice Rink of Bayonne High School.  This was followed by a social at the Ss Peter and Paul Orthodox Church Hall.  There were over 80 participants from all over New Jersey, with some guests travelling in from New York State and the Cathedral in New York City.  There were 4 participants from our parish, meaning that %10 attended the event!  We met many old and new friends form the Deanery and extended a warm invitation for all to visit.

The Deanery of New Jersey will be hosting a Parish Council Retreat on two Saturdays in early June.  This is a volunteer event, but is strongly encouraged to all who wish to be part of the leadership of a parish.  His Grace envisions these events as equipping the leaders of the parish to carry out the Great Commission as Christ has given it to us.  There are two options for all who are either on the Parish Council or who are considering helping to lead the parish in the future.  The dates are June 4th in Paramus and June 11th in Trenton.  If you are interested, please see Fr James.

 A diocesan altar servers retreat is scheduled for 25-26 February 2011 at Saint Basil's Academy, Garrison NY. Clergy of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey should report the number of altar servers that will attend the retreat to their respective deans (as soon as possible). Adult supervision will also be sought to accompany the servers.  Read more here:  http://nynjoca.org/news_101222_1.htm

His Grace, Bp Michael will be joining us on February 12th and 13th.  On Saturday night, we are hoping that the Parish Council and Fr James will share a meal with His Grace before the celebration of Great Vespers.  At 7 PM we will celebrate Great Vespers.  It would be a great symbol of the devotion of this parish if we all gathered around our spiritual leader at that time.  On Sunday Morning, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:30, as usual.  This will be followed by a festive luncheon following the service.  More information on all of these events will be made available as details are finalized.

On Saturday, February 12th (before our Episcopal visitation), choir members from throughout the state will have a chance to exchange ideas and express your needs and concerns as musicians and singers in the diocese. In addition, Basil Kozak from Ss. Peter and Paul Church in South River, NJ will be giving a presentation about his experience in forming and working with a childrens choir.  For more information, see Fr James.

At our recent Deanery Meeting, it was relayed to the clergy that Bp Alejo, bishop of Mexico, will be visiting St John the Baptist Church in Passaic to help to foster an Hispanic outreach to the neighborhood there.  He will be visiting on March 19th.  The chanter (cantor) for the service will be a seminary brother of mine, Abraham Labrada-Santiago.  This is sure to be a seminal event in the history of our diocese.  Please consider being in attendance on that evening.  Also, as with all things, remember this in your holy prayers as the new ministry is begun.

We will hold our Annual Parish Meeting on February 6th, 2011 following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.  This is a time for all of the parish to gather together to review the successes and opportunities of the previous year, and to plan for the year to come.  Please make every effort to attend, as we are all responsible for planting and maintaining the Lord’s Vineyard here.

The miraculous Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, which has been in the possession of the Russian Orthodox Church for many years, will be visiting two parishes in the coming weeks.  On February 3rd she will be visiting Annunciation Church in Brick, NJ.  On February 4th, she will travel to Paramus, NJ.  Having witnessed several miraculous icons in my life, I can tell you that to be in the presence of a miracle, and to pray to our Lord is an awesome experience, and brings one closer to Heaven.  If you are interested in attending either visitation, please speak with Fr James.
    For more information on the Kursk Root Icon and its strange history, check out this link:  http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=103410  

The Diocese of New York and New Jersey has initiated several programs to aid in planning for the future development of our diocese.  Among them are the Vision for our Future and the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors Program.  In order to fund necessary ministries and fulfill the work of the Church in the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors generously contribute financial support.  Their contributions are voluntary, significant, and arise from thankfulness and gratitude to God for blessings received.
    For more information, visit our Diocesan Webpage here:  http://nynjoca.org/vfof.html

Everyone is invited, so join FOCA for fun, fellowship, food, and lots of hot chocolate!  We will gather at 2:30 in the church hall of SS. Peter & Paul, 98 West 28th Street, Bayonne NJ.  
Ice-skating will be indoors from 3:15 – 4:30 at the Korpi Ice Rink located in Bayonne H.S. Ave A and 29th Street (where Liane had gym class in high school!)  A social will follow back at our Church Hall.  Price for skating, skate rental, and social is $12/Adult and $10/Child.    Social only is $7/Adult and $5/Child.
    This event is sponsored by the NJ District of The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (F.O.C.A.) and is open to all Orthodox youth.
     Reservations are requested by January 24th.  Contact Marge Kovach at 732-815-9765 or mjkovach@aol.com, or Marge Cimbolic at 201-858-2826 or cimbolic@optonline.com.

The Sunday School children took the donations that have been gathered to Ss Cosmas and Damian Home. Basil Kozak, the manager, was very thankful, and extends his love to all who made an effort during this campaign.  It was Christ Himself who exhorted us to take care of the less fortunate - including the widows and the poor.  And it it is the tradition of the Church that we venerate and take care of our elders - the fathers and mothers in the faith.  In this spirit, we rejoice that we were able to share our abundance with our neighbors on Staten Island.

Below is a message from Barba Nafranowicz:

   We have just received notification that our boxes to St. Petersburg Orphanage have arrived – in great time, too!
   Attached are photos that they sent.  Now you can really appreciate why we send very warm clothing!  It is cold there right now, and it will be even colder come January and February.
   Thank you all for helping these children.

   Barbara

 
And from the director of the childrens' home: 

   Many thanks to you for those parcels. Which we have received last night. The letters enclosed in these parcels with wonderful gifts and warm things are dated on September, 15th, 2010 and on September, 9th, 2010. Thus, parcels went to Russia 2,5 months.
   At us in St.-Petersburg there has already come the present winter and frosts-15-20. So the things sent by you of a thing, have appeared by the way. All children and teachers thank you and your women who so long help children of our children's home.
  
   Yours faithfully
   The director of children's home 51 Andrey Sokolov

P.S. I send you the general photo of our children and teachers of children's home and a photo of our games in the street this winter.

 

On Sunday, November 28th, we were joined by Rdr Seraphim Hanisch, an accomplished choir director and voice teacher.  He was with us during the Divine Liturgy, guiding the faithful in their prayers.  Afterward, he offered a choral workshop to encourage and strengthen the parish in their congregational singing.
   Seraphim began by giving a short discourse on the relationship between singing and the spiritual life - highlighting the importance of both the people and the clergy working together to praise our Lord.  He then led us through several warm up exercises in order to prepare for proper, effective, and holy singing.  With that done, we began to sing certain selections from the Liturgy in order to learn how to sing them more effectively.  
   The workshop was such a success, that several attendees asked that Seraphim return this coming Sunday to continue with his lessons.  He agreed, and it is hoped that he will guide us in the future as a friend of the parish.

On Thursday night, November 11th, many parishioners joined Fr James and his family at the rectory for a potluck open house.  There was a wide variety of food offered - all of which was quite delicious.  We were also joined by some friends of the parish and from the neighborhood of the rectory.  The evening was so successful that there was a call for another potluck event to happen in the near future.  
   This event goes to show that there is a great need, and desire, within our community to grow ever closer together as a family.  We are all children of God who are working for the same thing - to bring Christ to the world and to each other.  As Fr Eric teaches, we are not here to save our neighbors, but they are here to save us.  Therefore, how beautiful, holy and helpful are these times we spend together! 

The 2010 Diocesan Convention for the Diocese of New York and New Jersey was held on Tuesday, November 9th at the Holy Protection Cathedral in Manhattan.  Our parish was represented by Mary Forbes as the lay delegate along with Fr James.  The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by His Grace, Bishop Michael.  After that there was a festive lunch where old friends reunited and new friends were made.  The business session began after the meal.  Bishop Michael addressed the 87 delegates with an address concerning the future of the Diocese.  There were elections of Diocesan Council members and Metropolitan Council members.  Toward the end of the day, there was a presentation on the insurance responsibilities of a local parish.  At the end of the day, we left with a sense of the unity of the Orthodox Church and with a hope for the growth of our faith.
   For photos of the Convention, visit the Diocesan webpage here.
   To see Bp Michael's Address, go here.

The Assembly for the Diocese of New York and New Jersey will convene on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at the Holy Protection Cathedral, New York City.  Fr James will be attending the convention, along with Mary Forbes as the Parish Delegate.  If you have any concerns about the future of the Diocese, see either of these two people and share them.  All of the documents and other information about the Convention can be found at the Diocesan website, http://nynjoca.org/news_100730_1.html .

Ss Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in South River, NJ is hosting a Russian Day Festival on Saturday, October 23rd.  Several members of that congregation came up to support the Tricky Tray, so it would be good if we could return the gesture.  After the Soul Saturday Divine Liturgy on Saturday, Fr James and his family will be going down there.  If you are interested, contact Fr James, or just head to Ss Peter & Paul’s at 76 Whitehead Ave, South River, NJ 08882. Their parish website is www.saintpeterandpaul.org/.  See you there!

The Fall 2010 Tricky Tray was a tremendous success, with many friends from the community coming out to support our parish.  There were also many members of the parish who came out to work.  We are most grateful to Cathy Dovidio for her organizational and leadership efforts, and to all who helped to make this even such a success.  Here are a few pictures.  If you have any others, please email them to Fr James to be posted.

We were blessed to welcome a new soul into our community this past Sunday.  Stefan Ioan, the newborn child of Anton and Christina, was baptized and chrismated into the Holy Orthodox Faith.  Following the Divine Liturgy of October 17th, many friends, family and parishioners gathered to celebrate the rites of entrance into the Orthodox Church.  Following the solemnities, a picnic in honor of the Newly-Illumined Stefan Ioan was held at a local park.  May we all continue to remember the child and his family in prayer and strive to bring him up in the ancient faith of our fathers.  Glory to God for all things!  Pictures to come.

Welcome to the newly revamped web presence of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Rahway, NJ.  This parish is situated in North Central New Jersey and and services parishioners from many different backgrounds - Russian, Carpatho Russian, Belorussian, Romanian, Irish, English and Italian.
   This new website signals the continuation of the vision of the parish to be a place of prayer, and to be a light to our community.
   Keep an eye on this location to see many more good things to come.  We will be focusing on the growth of the parish, and being good members of our communities.  Photographs are always welcome, as are any writings or announcements for the community.
   See you all on Saturday and Sunday!