IN THE NEWS: Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Montana

New Haven, CT: Holy Transfiguration parish plans centennial celebration

New Haven, CT
Archbishop Nikon with Father Michael Westerberg and area clergy during recent visit Holy Transfiguration parish.

Archpriest Michael Westerberg and the faithful of Holy Transfiguration Church—the first Orthodox Christian parish in New Haven, CT—are busy planning their community’s 100th Anniversary, which will be celebrated September 27, 2015.  The occasion will be marked with the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon, after which a grand banquet will be held.

Established by a small group of primarily Belarusian immigrants in the summer of 1915, the parish initially purchased a former Baptist church and a small two-story home.  The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated near the Great Feast of the Transfiguration.  The present church was constructed in 1967.  For the past 30 years, Father Theodore Jurewicz has been working to complete the exquisite interior iconography.

Today, Holy Transfiguration parish is a diverse community that is greatly enhanced by the presence of Yale University students and interns from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY.

This year also marks Father Michael’s 35th of pastoral ministry at the parish and the 40th Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

The parish faithful invite everyone to join them for this milestone celebration and to honor Father Michael and Matushka Lydia for their many years of service, which represents over one-third of the life of the parish.  To obtain additional information or to be placed on the parish mailing list, please contact John Kruchok, lay chair for the 100th Anniversary, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 203-488-0269.

Detroit, MI:  Pan-Orthodox April 26 benefit to help retired clergy and widows

The Council of Orthodox Christian Churches of Metropolitan Detroit [COCC] will sponsor its annual “Spring Celebration” dinner-dance at the banquet hall of Saint Michael the Archangel Church, 26375 West Chicago Road, Redford, MI, on Sunday, April 26, 2015.

Proceeds from the event will assist retired clergy and widowed clergy wives.

The event will begin with a social hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6:00.  There will be live music by the Offbeats and entertainment for children.  Tickets are available for $40.00 per person.  There is no charge for children ages 12 and under.  Each COCC member parish will receive complimentary tickets for its clergy.

To order tickets or obtain further information, contact Mihaela Charlier at 313-595-7640 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or Richard Shebib at 248-345-9346 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The COCC is also soliciting donations from merchants for a silent auction and advertisements in a souvenir book that will be distributed at the event.  The deadline for submissions is April 14. For ad rates and further information, contact Mary Ann Dadich at 586=775-4799 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or Richard Shebib at 248-345-9346 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The COCC is a 57-year-old clergy and lay association that represents various canonical Orthodox churches in metro Detroit. Its mission is to promote Orthodox Christianity throughout the area through worship, fellowship, and charitable, educational and outreach programs. Visit its web site at http://www.coccdetroit.com.

Ligonier, PA: Antiochian Village site of homeschooling conference April 23-28

The seventh annual Saint Emmelia Orthodox Homeschooling Conference will be held at Antiochian Village Conference and Retreat Center, Ligonier, PA, April 23-28, 2015.  The event is geared to the needs of those who homeschool or are considering this education option.

The keynote speaker will be Priest Andrew Stephen Damick, pastor of Saint Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, Emmaus, PA; author of Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy and An Introduction to God, and host of the “Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy” and “Roads from Emmaus” podcasts on Ancient Faith Radio.  Among the other speakers and workshop leaders are Dr. Christopher and Anna Veniamin of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA.

The conference will feature workshops for experienced and beginner homeschoolers alike.  Simultaneous sessions will be held for children age 3 and up.  The conference will offer ample opportunities for worship and fellowship with other Orthodox Christian homeschooling families.

Billings, MT:  Iconography workshop to be held June 15-20

Deacon Matthew Garrett will teach a class in iconography at Saint Nicholas of South Canaan Church, Billings, MT, June 15-20, 2015.  Students, who do not need previous art experience, will complete icons of Saint George using acrylic gouache and 23K gold leaf.

The complete cost of the workshop is $475.00, which includes all class supplies, lunches and snacks.  Registration is limited.  A $250.00 deposit is required by May 5.

To obtain additional information and/or to register, please contact Lisa Garrett at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).