Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church
Orthodox Church in America
Clifton, NJ
Archpastoral Visit of Archbishop Michael & Tonsuring of Reader Luis Camacho on January 21st., 2024
Blessing of Luis Camacho to be a Reader
Blessing of Luis Camacho to be a Reader
Blessing of Luis Camacho to be a Reader
Presentation of the Gromota for the Church's 90th. Anniversary
Presentation of the Gromota for the Church's 90th. Anniversary
Presentation of the Gromota for the Church's 90th. Anniversary
Reader Luis's wife Jodi & children Mia & Abigail
Reader Luis's wife Jodi & children Mia & Abigail
Reader Luis's wife Jodi & children Mia & Abigail

It was a great blessing to have His Eminence, Archbishop Michael visit us on Sunday, January 21st., 2024. At the beginning of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, His Eminence tonsured Luis Camacho to become a reader for the parish. It was a beautiful Liturgy with his visiting attendants and our servers from the parish, together with the choir, led by Reader Christopher Minarich. We were also graced with the presence of the choir members St. Mary Magdeline Church in Manhattan, NY, who came to help together with other friends of the parish. The parish also received a Gromota from His Eminence in anticipation of the 90th. Anniversary of the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by their Graces, Bishop Tikhon and Bishop Adam on March 4th., 1934.

January 21st. 2024 Archpastoral Visit 2
His Eminence's attendants & servers
His Eminence's attendants & servers
His Eminence's attendants & servers
Choir Members with His Eminence
Choir Members with His Eminence
Choir Members with His Eminence
Archbishop Michael with Parish Priest Terence Baz & Parish Warden Gregory Focarino
Archbishop Michael with Parish Priest Terence Baz & Parish Warden Gregory Focarino
Archbishop Michael with Parish Priest Terence Baz & Parish Warden Gregory Focarino
Blessing of Breakfast downstairs in Fr. Lucas Memorial Hall on January 21st., 2023

It was fitting to have a celebratory breakfast after all the liturgical formalities in the parish church above. About 65 adults & children attended. Thank you to the Parish Council who organized the breakfast with all the great food! In the photo, we were singing the Our Father and I blessed the food. Fr. Terence

Archbishop Michael Visit 4
Churching of Sophia, Sept 24th., 2023

Congratulations to Michael & Christine on the recent birth of their beautiful baby, Sophia whom they had Churched on Sunday, during Divine Liturgy. I bless the baby & the mother and then bring the baby to the solea & say the prayer of St. Simeon: "Now let Thy servant depart in peace..." The choir at the same time sings the same hymn. This dedicates the baby to the Church in preparation for her upcoming baptism.

Fr. Terence Baz

Blessing & Presentation of the Icon of Mary of Egypt

The icon of Mary of Egypt was blessed & presented to the newly illuminated Mary (Nia) Daniel at the end of Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Her sponsors, Gregory & Vera focarino donated it to her. Congratulations!

Fr. Terence Baz

Annual Parish Picnic 2023

We had a very enjoyable Annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 24th., 2023. It rained all day so we had to eat inside but no one seemed to mind. Enjoy the photos!

Fr. Terence Baz

Parish Picnic

Thank you to Craig Polk & those who helped him to organize the picnic!

Chrismation of Demetrius Morais on September 3rd., 2023

Our parish was very happy to welcome Demirius (Samuel) Morais into the Orthodox Church & our parish, by Chrismation, on Sunday, September 3rd., 2023. In the photo with him are his sponsors, Kevin Shermoc & Maria Tlatelpa. Congratulations & many blessed years!

Fr. Terence Baz, parish priest

A Very Special Weekend: Two Baptisms & a Chrismation

Three young adults joined our parish & became Orthodox this weekend. Two were baptized & one was chrismated

Mary being baptized
Mary being baptized
Mary being baptized
Baptisms 2

More photos

More photos from the baptisms
More photos 2
Oath of Office for the Parish Council

The Parish Council took its Oath of Office last Sunday after the Divine Liturgy for Pascha last Sunday morning. The photo is of the Council with me after being blessed.

Archpriest Terence Baz, parish priest

Mission Vespers hosted by Holy Assumption in Clifton

Holy Assumption Orthodox Church was very pleased to host our deanery of New Jersey for the Lenten Mission Vespers on Sunday evening, March 25th. His Eminence, Archbishop Michael was the main celebrant with 10 priests & 4 subdeacons as seen in the photo. About 100 people attended, some of whom joined with our parish choir to compliment a beautiful service.Our parish put on a very nice Lenten supper afterwards in the hall.

Archbishop Michael & concelebrating clergy
Archbishop Michael & concelebrating clergy
Archbishop Michael & concelebrating clergy
Archbishop Michael preaching
Archbishop Michael preaching
Archbishop Michael preaching
Supper after Presanctified Liturgy Wednesday March 8 2023

Archbishop Michael, one of my parishioners & me

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Sunday of Orthodoxy
After the procession of the Icons
After the procession of the Icons
After the procession of the Icons
At Sts. Peter & Paul’s Church in South River with Michael & Guilherme. Fr. Terence
At Sts. Peter & Paul’s Church in South River with Michael & Guilherme. Fr. Terence
At Sts. Peter & Paul’s Church in South River with Michael & Guilherme. Fr. Terence
2023 Visit by Archbishop Michael: Divine Liturgy & Breakfast

We had a very blessed & enjoyable visit from His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, this past weekend, February 12th., 2023. Assisting him were Subdeacon Matthew & Subdeacon Zaccary. 

Archbishop Michael's 50th. Anniversary as a Priest. February 4th., 2023

Yesterday, I had the privelidge of concelebrating the Divine Liturgy with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael at Christ the Savior Church in Paramus, NJ, for the 50th. Anniversary of his priesthood. You can click on the link below to watch the video.

Yours, in Christ

Fr. Terence Baz

https://fb.watch/ivBPkNyISZ/

Church School Christmas Pageant or Yolka 2022

As can be seen in the photos, we had a very enjoyable Christmas pageant celebration last Sunday. Thank you to Craig Polk, Sub-deacon Christopher & other staff members who organized it, to those who helped set up the crib, to the parents who supported their children to participate, to those who attended.

Fr. Terence Baz

2022 Christmas Pageant Photos
2022 Christmas Pagean Photos
St Nicholas Icon donated by the Telep Family Blessed Sunday, October 16th., 2022

On Sunday, October 16th., 2022, an Icon of St. Nicholas was donated to the Church in memory of Nicholas & Sally Telep. May their memories be eternal! It will soon be placed in the Church. Their daughter, Joyce, was present for the blessing. 

Fr. Terence Baz

The Reception & Molieban Service for the Miraculous Icon of St. Anna from St. Tikhon's Monastery

We were blessed to recive Igumen Cyprian who brought with him from St. Tikhon's Monastery the Miraculous Healing Icon of St. Anna. This icon is known to have manifested many miracles to those faithful who have pertitioned through it the grandmother of Jesus & the mother of the God-bearer, Mary. Many faithful came to this service on the afternoon of September 11th.

We were also blessed with the presence of Archpriest Maryan who visited us for the occasion. 

Deacon Herman, who is from Alaska, assisted Igumen Cyprian for the day.

Yours, in Christ,

Archpriest Terence Baz

Igumen Cyprian with the Icon of St. Anna followed by Deacon Herman
Igumen Cyprian with the Icon of St. Anna followed by Deacon Herman
Igumen Cyprian with the Icon of St. Anna followed by Deacon Herman
Anointing & Conclusion after Molieban Service
From Left to Right: Archpriest Maryan from St. John's Passaic, Igumen Cyprian, Archpriest Terence from Holy Assumption & Subdeacon Christopher who assisted at the service
From Left to Right: Archpriest Maryan from St. John's Passaic, Igumen Cyprian, Archpriest Terence from Holy Assumption & Subdeacon Christopher who assisted at the service
From Left to Right: Archpriest Maryan from St. John's Passaic, Igumen Cyprian, Archpriest Terence from Holy Assumption & Subdeacon Christopher who assisted at the service
Chrismation Photo of Zenaida (Arleen) Espaillat & family
Photo of Zenaida (Arleen) with her sponsor & her family
Photo of Zenaida (Arleen) with her sponsor & her family
Photo of Zenaida (Arleen) with her sponsor & her family

Many years!

We were happy to welcome into our parish fold, Zenaida (Arleen) Espaillat who was Chrismated & received her First Holy Communion during Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 28th., 2022. Her three children, shown here in the photo, were baptized into the Holy Orthodox Church earlier in June of this year. They will be a wonderful addition to our parish and we wish them many blessings through it for many years to come.

Congratulations also Steve & Diane Abrams, her sponsors, for this happy occasion. They donated to her a beautiful Orthodox Cross that was blessed at the end of the Divine Liturgy.

Archpriest Terence Baz, parish priest.

Statement on the Sacredness of Human Life and its Untimely Termination

Christ is in our midst!

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has published a statement on the "Sacredness of Human Life and its Untimely Termination."

Please go to this link to read it in full: https://nynjoca.org/files/2022/aob-statements/2022-AoB-Life-Statement---Final.pdf

Yours, in Christ,

Fr. Terence Baz, pastor

Family Baptism!
Russo Family Baptism

Congratulations to the Russo Family for this wonderful occasion! May God grant them many years to grow closer to Christ in their faith.

Grave Blessing at East Ridgelawn Cemetary Saturday, May 21st., 2022

Holy Assumption parish was invited to have their graves blessed at East Ridgelawn Cemetary on Saturday, May 21st. The weather cooperated.

In particular, the Thanasides family, relatives & friends gathered for a two year Anniversary of Patricia's Falling Asleep in the Lord. The extended family could not get together at the time of her passing because of the restrictions from the pandemic. The gathering was longed for after all that time. 

Easter Egg Hunt May 1st., 2022
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt
Archpastoral Visit 2022 Waiting for His Eminence to Enter

Parish Council President Gregory Focarino is waiting for His Eminence to enter the Church. He will present a Bobka & I will present the Altar Hand Cross.

Thank you to Vera Focarino who took all the photos seen here for His Eminence's Archpastoral Visit.

This visit may seem routine but the past two years have been very difficult for our parish because of the Coronavirus, some unexpected deaths of relatives and now, the agony of watching the invasion of Ukraine unfold.

Although we have been Coffee Hour after Divine Liturgy for some months, this weekend was the first time that the parish gathered for a function in our community for the first time in two years. We hope that we will be able to get back into a normal routine soon, hosting fundraisers and other gatherings in our beautiful hall.

Fr. Terence, parish priest

Presenting the Altar Hand Cross & Bobka to His Eminence as we welcome him.
Archpastoral Visit 2022 His Eminence Blessing the Congregation
Divine Liturgy: Michael Deacon Stephan reading the Gospel 030622
Divine Liturgy with Archbishop Michael 030622
At the Great Entrance
His Eminence, washing His Hands March 6th 2022
Divine Liturgy with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael March 6th., 2022
Divine Liturgy with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael March 6th., 2022
Divine Liturgy Clergy & Servers with His Eminence, Archbishop Michael 030622
His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, blessing the Brunch after Divine Liturgy 030622
Church School Presenting Flowers to Archbishop Michael 030622

On behalf of the Church School, Mikaila Polk presents flowers to His Eminence after the Divine Liturgy.

March 2022 Visit by Archbishop Michael
Presentation to His Eminence by the Church School

On the weekend of March 6th & 6th., His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, blessed us with his annual visit to our parish. It was a very beautiful weekend. The photos that follow were taken by Vera Focarino on the Sunday. Please enjoy!

Fr. Terence Baz, parish priest.

Church School Presentation 2
Church School Presentation 3
Church School Presentation 2
New Sanctuary Floor Installed Last Week

I would like to thank the Parish Council, the Sisterhood of St. Barbara & the Couples Club who contributed to the project of replacing the damaged carpet in the sanctuary of the church. Thank you also to those who helped prepare and clean up afterwards as well as to those who helped to coordinate the smooth completion of the work.

If you would like to donate towards this cost, please use the PayPal option on this website or, speak to someone on the Parish Council.

Thank you to everyone! You can see from the photo that the sanctuary has obviously improved because of this work.

Fr. Terence, parish priest.

Christmas Angel Gift Program 2021
A message from Sunday School Director Craig Polk
Hello parishioners and friends! Wishing you the most joyful Christmas!
 
This the season of giving and as tradition, the church school students conduct a charity project during the Nativity season to provide help for those in need. This year, the children are conducting a gift card donation drive as part of our Christmas Angel Gift Project to support the Mental Health Clinic of Passaic (for more details about the clinic visit https://mhcp.org/). We need support from all of our brothers and sisters in Christ to make this program a success. To support this program, you can bring gift cards to the church or by sending e-gift cards to the church school program at holy.assumption.church.school@gmail.com. The deadline to receive both physical as we as e-gift cards is noon on Sunday Dec 19th.
 
Thank you for supporting this program.
Sisterhood Bake Sale November 27th., 2021
Sad News about Sally Telep

I regret to let you know that one of our long standing members, Sally Telep, Fell Asleep in the Lord a couple of days ago. Please keep her & all her family in your prayers.

The Calling Hours will be at the Shook Funeral Home in Clifton from 4:00 - 8:00 PM this evening, November 11th. A Panikhida Service will be held at 7:00 PM.

The funeral will be at Shook Funeral Home tomorrow, November 12th. at 11:30 AM. Please go to Shook's website for more details.

Yours, in Christ,

Fr. Terence Baz

Baptism for Michael Vitales, October 9th., 2021

Congratulations and welcome to Michael Vitales, who was Baptized, Chrismated into the Orthodox Church; and the following day, received his first Holy Communion! May God grant you many, many years! His sponsors were Sub-deacon Christopher Chasse and Marilyn Wong. Thank you to our Parish Council President, Gregory Focarino who helped me set up the font to enable an adult baptism and then put it away afterwards. Thank you also for these photos and those of his wife, Vera's to celebrate the occasion. Thank you to our sister parish in Paramus, NJ who kindly loaned us the font for the occasion.

Archpriest Terence Baz

Baptism for Michael Vitales, October 9th., 2021

Congratulations and welcome to Michael Vitales, who was Baptized, Chrismated into the Orthodox Church; and the following day, received his first Holy Communion! May God grant you many, many years! His sponsors were Sub-deacon Christopher Chasse and Marilyn Wong. Thank you to our Parish Council President, Gregory Focarino who helped me set up the font to enable an adult baptism and then put it away afterwards. Thank you also for these photos and those of his wife, Vera's to celebrate the occasion. Thank you to our sister parish in Paramus, NJ who kindly loaned us the font for the occasion.

Archpriest Terence Baz

Chrismation & Holy Communion
Blessing of Cross & Icon
Blessing of Cross & Icon
Blessing of Cross & Icon
First Communion
First Communion
First Communion
Chrismation & Holy Communion
Blessing of Cross & Icon
Blessing of Cross & Icon
Blessing of Cross & Icon
Vespers for September 14th., the Exaltation of the Cross.

Great Vespers for the Exaltation of the Crost will be held at 7:00 PM this evening. It will also be livestreamed.

Fr. Terence Baz

Groundbreaking for the new Kitchen at St. Andrew's Camp

Please copy & paste or click onto the following link to see the report from the Diocese of New York & New Jersey about the groundbreaking blessed by Archbishop Michael this week: https://nynjoca.org/news_210809_1

Wonderful news!

The Swearing In of our new Parish Council members

Congratulations to the members of Parish Council who took the Oath of Office and were blessed by their Parish Priest, Archpriest Terence, last Sunday. We especially congratulate Gregory Focarino, the council's new President. His family was present to witness the happy occasion. We wish Gregory every blessing in his endeavors to serve the parish in his new position. Many years!

Parish Council Blessing and Celebration
Diocesan Youth Witness for Pascha

Our Diocesan website (nynjoca.org) has posted videos about our youth who witness about their experience of the Risen Christ for this season of Pascha. If you would like to watch them, please click onto or copy and paste the following link: Youth Witness to the Faith Videos Series | Diocese of New York and New Jersey - OCA (nynjoca.org)

Fr. Terence Baz

Parking Lot Completion May 10th., 2021

Christ is Risen!

I am happy to announce that we have re-paved our parking lot. Thanks to all those who helped get quotes and finalize details. It was completed in one day! Thanks also to the Sisterhood of St. Barbara who made a large donation towards the cost.

Fr. Terence Baz

Re-pavement of Parking Lot 2 May 10th., 2021
PASCHA - 2021

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Archbishop Michael Anoints the new Antimensium

On the occasion of his archpastoral visit, Archbishop Michael Anoints the new Antimensium he has given to the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church in Clifton, NJ. The relice included is of the Russian Hieromartyr Sergius Florinsky who was murdered by the Bolshevicks on December 30th., 1918.

Sad News re Helene Boris Lenkowec

Please remember in your prayers, Helene Boris Lenkowec, 98 who Fell Asleep in the Lord this past week. She will be buried from Holy Assumption Church on Friday, January 22nd., 2021 @ 12:30 PM. Please remember to wear a mask and keep socially distanced during the funeral service. 

Message from Metropolitan Tikhon about the disturbing events of January 6th. on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

On Thursday, January 7, 2021, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon offered the following statement:

“In the aftermath of the troubling events in Washington, DC, yesterday, may we all keep this country and one another in prayer asking the Lord to grant peace, unity, and hope to all the people of the United States of America. As the Apostle Paul exhorts us to do, “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom 12:9-10).

O Lord Jesus Christ, who have descended the waters of Jordan sanctifying the whole creation and offering us a new life, protect and keep this country and grant it peace, tranquility, and reconciliation!”

Annual Parish Yolka can be viewed!

Christ is born! Glorify Him!

If you would like to view our beautiful Annual Parish Yolka, please click onto or copy & past the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v4S9CXvXt0TIKgVaKvHfo-qu3xVyayXY/view.

Thank you to Craig Polk for his wonderful work to put this together and to post it! It gives us hope in these difficult times.

Yours, in Christ,

Fr. Terence Baz

The Church Heat is Back on!

Dearly beloved: Christ is born! Glorify Him!

I had announced on Friday, the day of the Nativity of Christ that the heater for the church had broken down. I am happy to say that it has been fixed so that we can hold Divine Liturgy tomorrow as usual at 9:00 AM.

Yours, in Christ

Fr. Terence Baz

2020 Yolka
2020 - Yolka

Remote Yolka via Youtube.

Holy Assumption 2020 Yolka

 

 

 

 

 

Many Thanks for the Soup Sale!

Many thanks to Joyce for taking the initiative, to Deborah and to Barbara for preparing the delicious soup! As others have said, it was delicious & a great way to eat yesterday's lunch! Yum yum! Fr. Terry

Live Streaming of Burial Services for Metropolitan Theodosius
Live Streaming of Burial Services for Metropolitan Theodosius

For those who would like to watch the Burial Service for Metropolitan Theodosius, please click onto this link: https://www.oca.org/news/headline-news/live-streaming-of-burial-services-for-metropolitan-theodosius

EXALTATION OF THE PRECIOUS CROSS
Sunday before Exaltation of the Precious Cross
Sunday before Exaltation of the Precious Cross
Sunday before Exaltation of the Precious Cross
Started streaming
Started streaming
Started streaming
Gospel
Gospel
Gospel
Reader
Reader
Reader
Paristioners
Paristioners
Paristioners
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Choir director
Choir director
Choir director
Collection
Collection
Collection
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Communion
Communion
Communion
PENTECOST 2020
1st ONLINE SERVICE
1st ONLINE SERVICE
1st ONLINE SERVICE
1st ONLINE SERVICE
1st ONLINE SERVICE
1st ONLINE SERVICE
1st ONLINE SERVICE
1st ONLINE SERVICE
1st ONLINE SERVICE
The Sunday of the Cross, the 3rd Sunday of Lent Divine Liturgy
Doors Closed for the Weekend

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Christ is in our midst!

As a follow up on my previous statement about Church services for this weekend, please refer to the latest statement from Archbishop Michael about the Coronavirus that can be found at the diocesan website: https://nynjoca.org/

In applying the guidelines to our parish, Vespers will be cancelled on Saturday evening.

Given the daily dramatic news unfolding about the spread of the virus, for this Sunday, I only want Matushka Barbara to be present to sing the responses for the Divine Liturgy. I will pray for all the sick, for all of you and any deceased persons that I have been asked to do a Memorial Service for. The doors will be locked. Please be safe & do not attempt to attend.

For next Wednesday's Presanctified Liturgy, I want to protect the safety of the the choir & chanters. Thus, there will be no Liturgy that evening.

Depending on how the week unfolds, I will assess the situation for the following Sunday. Some of the younger regular attendees, who are in good health & have not manifested any of the symptoms associated with this virus, I may invite to the Divine Liturgy on March 29th., but only limited to 10 people, as directed by the State.

Please know that you are in my prayers in this very difficult time.

Yours, in Christ

Archpriest Terence Baz, parish priest.

Coronavirus: Diocesan Statement
New Statement from the Diocese of NY&NJ on the Coronavirus

Two new statements from Archbishop Michael have been issued today about the Coronavirus: a Pastoral Statement and Guidelines for clergy & parishes.

Please go to: https://nynjoca.org/ and click on the front page to read these statements.

Yours in Christ

Archpriest Terence Baz, parish priest.

New Statement from the OCA about the Coronavirus
Statement put out by the OCA Holy Synod

Today, the Archdiocesan headquarters in Syosset released a statement giving instructions to parishes about how to respond to the Coronavirus. Please click on this link: https://www.oca.org/cdn/PDFs/synod/2020-0313-synod-statement-covid19.pdf to read it. I will put it in Sunday's bulletin.

Please note that the instructions say that for those serving at Coffee Hour, to use gloves; people should not give the traditional Trinitarian kiss to greet each other; and do not shake hands.

Fr. Terence Baz, parish priest

Holy assumption Church, Clifton NJ

Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers with Archbishop Michael in Wayne

Vespers with Archbishop Michael at Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne, NJ for the Sunday of Orthodoxy. The photo below is of His Eminence with the con-celebrating clergy but other clergy were present who did not attend as well a combined choir & a packed congregation. The service was beautiful & we were blessed with beautiful weather for the evening.

Such an occasion reminds us that we are not simply isolated parishes but belong to the family of our diocese that is part of the Orthodox Church. It was truly fitting that we got together to celebrate on this day.

The host was Father Stephen Evanina, rector of Holy Resurrection Church and the mitered archpriest is our Chancellor, Joseph Lickwar. Quite a number of parishioners of our parish of Holy Assumption were also presnt.

BISHOP VISIT

Bishop Visit - 03-01-2020 - 03/01/2020

On Sunday, March 1st., our parish was blessed to receive His Eminence, Archbishop Michael for his Annual Pastoral Visit. He was assisted by his attendants Deacon Stephan Karlgut and Subdeacons Matthew Ortiz & Mark Federoff. The first photo is of the clergy & the servers. The Rector, Archpriest Terence was also awarded a Palitza and Diocesan Gramota by His Eminence for his 25th. Anniversary as an Orthodox priest. It was a beautiful visit.

Memory Eternal

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Archbishop Michael's 2020 Pastoral Visit March 1st View of the Church
Archbishop Michael's 2020 Pastoral Visit March 1st: more photos
The Clergy & the servers at the end of Divine Liturgy
The Clergy & the servers at the end of Divine Liturgy
The Clergy & the servers at the end of Divine Liturgy
Archpriest Terence's son & daughter with His Eminence
Archpriest Terence's son & daughter with His Eminence
Archpriest Terence's son & daughter with His Eminence
His Eminence making the presentation at the end of the Divine Liturgy
His Eminence making the presentation at the end of the Divine Liturgy
His Eminence making the presentation at the end of the Divine Liturgy
Archbishop Michael's 2020 Pastoral Visit March 1st

On Sunday, March 1st., our parish was blessed to have Archbishop Michael Visit us with his assistants: Deacon Stephan Karlgut and Subdeacons Matthew Ortiz & Mark Federoff, for the Divine Liturgy. Archbishop Michael also presided at Great Vespers the evening before.

I was blessed to be presented with a Palitza and Diocesan Gramota by His Eminence, Archbishop Michael, in celebration of his 25th. Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. The date of the anniversary is May 28th.

The parish held a pasta dinner in the parish hall on Saturday evening & then a brunch on Sunday morning after Divine Liturgy & the Service of Forgiveness. His Eminence preached about the importance of forgiveness & fasting as we commence the season of Great Lent.

 

Archpriest Terence Baz, presented with a Palitza and Diocesan Gramota by His Eminence the
Archpriest Terence Baz, presented with a Palitza and Diocesan Gramota by His Eminence the
Archpriest Terence Baz, presented with a Palitza and Diocesan Gramota by His Eminence the
At the Great Entrance of the Divine Liturgy
At the Great Entrance of the Divine Liturgy
At the Great Entrance of the Divine Liturgy
The Bobka & the Cross being presented to His Eminence
The Bobka & the Cross being presented to His Eminence
The Bobka & the Cross being presented to His Eminence
DDB Dinner at Holy Resurrection Wayne NJ February 23, 2020
Distinguished Diocesan Benefactor's Dinner, Sunday February 23rd.

Photo 1: Members of my parish with Archbishop Michael & me. We had dinner with numerous other parishes at Holy Resurrection Church in Wayne NJ, to recognize the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors. These donations are a very important help in enabling our OCA Diocese of New York & New Jersey, to run the programs needed to operate it. Thus, their generosity is very much appreciated.

Photo 2: the certificate from His Eminence, Archbishop Michael.

Photo 3: Archbishop Michael thanking the Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors at the dinner. Of the many programs helped by these people, he emphasized two: the improvements to our Diocesan Camp of St. Andrew's, on Oneida Lake in Central New York, as well as the help given to seminarians to support their study & living expenses. Our diocese currently has 6 seminarians.

Beefsteak Dinner February 2020
A very enjoyable & very successful fundraiser!

145 tickets were sold, as well as raffles! Very successful evening. Thank you to the Parish Council & those who helped in the event.

Scout Sunday Feb 19 2020

Congratulations to our parish students who participate in the Orthodox Scout Program. It helps to form our students in an Orthodox Christian way of life. Also to the parents, who dedicate their time to support their children.

Christmas 2019
Two Auxiliary Bishops Elected to the OCA by its Synod of Bishops

I am pleased to announce that at St. Tikhon's Seminary, the Synod of Bishops recently elected two new bishops to the OCA. Axios! Please click onto the following link to read the details:

https://www.oca.org/news/headline-news/holy-synod-elects-auxiliary-bishops

2019 - 2010 Sisterhood leaders
Icon of St. Anna Visiting Holy Assumption Oct 6, 2019
Moleben Service for Sts. Joachim & Anna

We were blessed to receive Heiromonk Herman from St. Tikhon's Monastery who brought the healing icon of St. Anna that resides at the monastery. We had a Moleben Service for Sts. Joachim & Anna & Fr. Herman gave an inspiring sermon about the history of the healing icon & the importance of intercessory prayers in the life of an Orthodox Christian. Specially blessed oil from St. Tikhon's was brought & used to anoint the congregation at the end of the service. We were blessed also to have our chancellor, Mitered Archpriest Joseph join us for the service. Fr. Joseph & I anointed the people after they venerated the icon held by Fr. Herman. The church was packed for the service.

Icon of St. Anna Visiting Holy Assumption Oct 6, 2019 2
Chrismation
Saint Anna Service
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Saint Anna Service
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Chrismation
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Chrismation
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Street Fair - 2019
October Fest booth
October Fest booth
October Fest booth
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Church Booth
Church Booth
Church Booth
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Parking Lot Project Step 1: Removal of Trees

Thanks very much to Gregory Focarino, who took the day off to oversee the work & who organized for Aspen Tree Company to do the job.

Parking Lot Project Step 1: Removal of Trees
Carofine Baptism July 2019
Churching
2019 - Sunday School
Christmation
Rummage Sale - June 6 and 7 2019
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Removal of Crowns for Gregory & Vera
Gregory & Vera's Wedding Recption
2019 - Wedding
Greek style
Greek style
Greek style
Wine
Wine
Wine
Around the table
Around the table
Around the table

Wedding June 2nd 2019. A very happy occasion at whice Gregory & Vera, much loved members of our parish were married at our Church. God grant you many years!

 

40th Anniversary of Sisterhood
40th Anniversary of Sisterhood
Agape Service 2019
Agape Service 2019
Holy Week 2019
Palm Sunday 1
Holy Friday 2019 Group 1
Holy Friday 2019 Group 2
Palm Sunday 2019
St. Andrew's Camp Video

Please click onto the video link below for St. Andrew's Camp for this summer's prospective campers.

https://www.facebook.com/saintandrewsorthodoxcamp/videos/357928144820497/

Sunday of Orthodoxy March 31 2019

Some images from the beautiful Great Lenten Vespers Service on Sunday afternoon, March 31 2019. Photos courtesy of John Chan from the Church of the Holy Transfiguration in Pearl River NY

Sunday of Orthodoxy 2019 #2
Sunday of Orthodoxy 2019
Sunday of Orthodoxy 2019
Family Embraces Orthodoxy
Archbishop Michael's Visit February 24, 2019

It was a joy to host Archbishop Michael and his attendants for his Annual Arch-pastoral visit to the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church on Sunday, February 24th. The choir, led by Susan Stavastinuk, sang beautifully and the Parish Council, led by Joyce Telep, provided a beautiful breakfast in the Father Lucas Memorial Hall, our Parish Hall.

After Divine Liturgy, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Archbishop Michael, is together with Archpriest Terence Baz, Deacon Stephen in the first row. In the upper row, left to right: Reader Matthew Ortiz, Sub-Deacon Christopher Chasse, Anthony Mannino & Sub
After Divine Liturgy, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Archbishop Michael, is together with Archpriest Terence Baz, Deacon Stephen in the first row. In the upper row, left to right: Reader Matthew Ortiz, Sub-Deacon Christopher Chasse, Anthony Mannino & Sub
After Divine Liturgy, His Eminence, the Most Reverend Archbishop Michael, is together with Archpriest Terence Baz, Deacon Stephen in the first row. In the upper row, left to right: Reader Matthew Ortiz, Sub-Deacon Christopher Chasse, Anthony Mannino & Sub
Service
Archbishop Michael's Visit February 24, 2019

His Eminence receiving flowers from some of our children in the Parish Hall during breakfast.

2019 Beefsteak Dinner
Very Successful Dinner!

We had a great celebration on the evening of Saturday, February 3rd. for our 33rd. Annual Beefsteak Dinner. Over 140 people attended. This event is becoming more & more popular, with lots of great food & prizes to be won. Thank you to all who helped prepare for this very successful event!

2018 Nativity Yolka

Sometimes, things take time to get posted! This Yolka was performed in December 2018. It was a very beautiful & creative performance! Many thanks to the children who performed & to Craig who ran the event as well as to Greg who made the props and to the Sunday School teachers who either played a role or helped.

Nativity Yolka Part 2
Nativity Yolka Part 3
The Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
The Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
Pinto Family Conversion to Orthodoxy
Welcome Home to the Pinto Family!

Congratulations & welcome to our parish to Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Kimberly Pinto and their daughters Gabriella Cordero & Joanna Pinto, who converted to Orthodoxy! Philip was Chrismated on Sunday, while Kimberly, Gabriella & Joanna professed their belief in the Orthodox Church, after saying the Creed. They all went to Confession on the Saturday. May God grant them many years!

In recognition of their decision, the Parish Council gave them an Orthodox Study Bible and Sharon Korbanics, on behalf of the Sisterhood of St. Barbara, gave the women an icon of St. Barbara with a Prayer Card after being blessed by Father.

The photos were taken by Kevin Shermock

Confession of the Orthodox Faith
Confession of the Orthodox Faith
Confession of the Orthodox Faith
Communion for Kimberly
Communion for Kimberly
Communion for Kimberly
Chrismation for Philip
Chrismation for Philip
Chrismation for Philip
New Family Embraces Orthodoxy

This family embraced Orthodoxy on Sunday, December 16th. The youngest daughter was baptized about a month ago. After serveral weeks of instruction about what the Orthodox Church is and the Orthodox Way, the family was ready commit. One member was Chrismated, the other three, as former Eastern Christians in union with Rome, converted by proclaiming their belief in the Orthodox Church as well as reciting the Creed. All went to Confession beforehand. It was a very joyful day.

Family Embraces Orthodoxy
Pasta Dinner in November

The Pasta Dinner was a great success. Over 45 people came to Vespers beforehand & probably about 50 people attended the dinner. 

St Nicholas Day Fish Dinner
Parish Picnic 2018
Annual Parish Picnic

It was a beautiful and enjoyable day. Everyone had a good time, including the children

Parish Picnic 2018
Parish Picnic 2108
Parish Picnic 2018
Parish Picnic 2108

Beautiful day & a beautiful gathering!

Murder Mystery Soon!
Grads - 2018
Grads - 2018
Pascha - 2018
More Images
More Images
Palm Sunday - 2018
more
more
more
North Jersey Vespers March 18, 2018
Sunday of Orthodoxy April 25, 2018
Reading
Reading
Reading
Procession
Procession
Procession
Choir
Choir
Choir
Valentine Dinner/Cabaret

The Valentine Dinner Dance was a great success, enjoyed by all! Thank you to all who helped prepare, serve, clean, entertain & attended the event.

Archbishop Michael, Fr. Terence & Mat. Barbara, Deacon Stephan & Reader Aryan enjoying the occasion
Archbishop Michael, Fr. Terence & Mat. Barbara, Deacon Stephan & Reader Aryan enjoying the occasion
Archbishop Michael, Fr. Terence & Mat. Barbara, Deacon Stephan & Reader Aryan enjoying the occasion
Father Terence & Matushka Barbara
Father Terence & Matushka Barbara
Father Terence & Matushka Barbara
The Dinner Chef, Tony with Janet, Charles & Mat. Barbara
The Dinner Chef, Tony with Janet, Charles & Mat. Barbara
The Dinner Chef, Tony with Janet, Charles & Mat. Barbara
Hierarchical Divine Liturgy by Archbishop Michael & Blessing of Sub-deacon Christopher
Most Reverend Archbishop Michael Annual Pastoral Visit

Congratulations to Sub-deacon Christopher & his family on the blessing given to him by Archbishop Michael on the Sunday of the Last Judgement, 2018!

Subdeacon Christopher Chasse is a resident of Verona NJ. He graduated from Caldwell University in May of 2015 with a double major in History and English as both a member of the school's scholar's program and four honor's societies. Currently he is working towards his MA in History at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. Christopher has been a member of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church in Clifton since 2015 where he serves behind the altar with Fr. Terence Baz and was tonsured a reader in August of 2016.

 

Serving was Deacon Stephan Karlgut, Sub-deacon Mark Federoff and Aryan von Eicken. 
Serving was Deacon Stephan Karlgut, Sub-deacon Mark Federoff and Aryan von Eicken. 
Serving was Deacon Stephan Karlgut, Sub-deacon Mark Federoff and Aryan von Eicken. 
Larry Tosi, Pauline, sister, parents John and Daria Chasse
Larry Tosi, Pauline, sister, parents John and Daria Chasse
Larry Tosi, Pauline, sister, parents John and Daria Chasse
Parish Choir
Parish Choir
Parish Choir
More photos
Blessing
Blessing
Blessing
Wahing of hands
Wahing of hands
Wahing of hands
Blessing
Blessing
Blessing
Breakfast
Breakfast
Breakfast
2018 - Valentine Dinner/Cabaret was a great success. Thank all that came.

Hope to see next time.

Sunday December 24th: Choir Members with Fr. Terence
Service Schedule for the Nativity of Christ
Service Schedule

We hope you can make it to our services for the Nativity of Christ.

Here is our schedule:

  • Sunday, December 24th., the Sunday of the Fore Fathers: Divine Liturgy @ 9:00 AM
  • Coffee Hour as usual afterwards
  • Sunday, December 24th., Christmas Eve: Great Compline & Lytia with Anointing @ 4:00 PM
  • Monday, December 25th., Christmas Day: Divine Liturgy of St. Basil @ 9:00 AM
  • Parish Breakfast to follow in the Parish Hall

Parking is 4 doors down from the Church in Orange Avenue on the right hand side.

All welcome!

The 2017 Yolka: Dec 3rd

We had a very enjoyable Yolka yesterday with the children performing & people singing Nativity Hymns & Carols.

St. Nicholas Fish Dinner Saturday Dec 2nd
Friends with Fr. Terry & Mat. Barbara
Friends with Fr. Terry & Mat. Barbara
Friends with Fr. Terry & Mat. Barbara

As always, the food was really delicious & we had a lot of fun with the prizes. Thanks to the Sisterhood of St. Barbara for all the work they did for this great event!

New Church Roof!

Our new roof was put on this past week from Thursday, November 16th - Saturday, November 18th. Many thanks to the Parish Council who studied the issue & researched the quotes. Also, to the Sisterhood of St. Barbara, the Orange Avenue Theatre Company as well as some private donors who contributed towards the funds needed. The job was done in three days! More photos will follow.

More Photos
Anastasia & Shawn 5th Anniversary Un-crowning Blessing
Shawn & Anastasia getting a blessing

Congratulatons to Shawn & Anastasia, with their child Seamus, getting a blessing at the celebration of their 5th wedding anniversary!

Cast Party for our Musical, Sunday October 8th 2017

The cast & supporting adults of the muscial, Joseph & His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, had a great time together as they reflected upon & celebrated the great performances they put on the previous weekend. It was a great time of fellowship & friendship!

The Ice Cream Cake donated by Steve & Diane
The Ice Cream Cake donated by Steve & Diane
The Ice Cream Cake donated by Steve & Diane
Viewing a Slide Show from John S. of the Production
Viewing a Slide Show from John S. of the Production
Viewing a Slide Show from John S. of the Production
31st Annual Beefsteak Dinner

Thanks to all who attended, prepared & worked for our 31st Annual Beefsteak. It was a great success & a lot of fun! Enjoy browsing through the photographs.