We are an Orthodox Christian Church under the auspices and ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, Orthodox Church of America. The Presiding Hierarch of our Diocese is His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel (Popp).

“A generation comes and goes, but the earth stands...to everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” ~Ecclesiastes

As most of you probably know by now, I will be retiring as of Dec 1st since the time has come. Archbishop Nathaniel has very graciously granted me the extra time to have celebrated our 100th Anniversary and to tie up some loose ends - mainly reestablishing our Mac-Aroy Youth group before I go. I’m telling you this now because the next two bulletins that I will do involve holidays and I don’t want to detract from them with this news.

This time of priesthood has been the fulfillment of my life far beyond anything in my secular careers. I thank you profusely for your support and love during my tenure. As a “son of the Parish” I’ve been baptized, married, tonsured as cantor, had children baptized and married, ordained as Deacon and then Priest, baptized my grandchildren and elevated to Iconom-Stavrofor (Archpriest) and now Pastor Emeritus of the parish. We have gone through some stormy times, but I believe we’ve weathered the storm very well and with the guidance of the Lord are on a firm course of action. We will survive and flourish as a parish with the prayers of St. Dimitrie, our patron.

I encourage you to support our new Priest and Pastor and give him your love. Our pastors come and go, but the Parish remains. Remember the Parish is yours no matter who the priest is. Of course, Prifteasa and I will remain members of the Parish and will be here often as parishioners. I know that there are those who have refused to come to our Parish because of my pastorship. If some may decide to come here, welcome them and don’t begrudge them their presence.

As priests we pray in Proskemedia and Holy Liturgy “for those who love us and those who hate us” and I will continue to pray that way. God’s love is for all humankind and repentance is a great gift to be respected by everyone. Again P-sa Marian and I thank you all again for making this journey possible for us. But it’s time for “new blood” and a younger leader (I’m not admitting I’m old, mind you). Without your love and support and encouragement, we could never have done our work for God’s glory. All Glory and Praise be to Him forever!