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Archpastoral Visit to Erie (9/21-22/13)
On the weekend of September 21-22, 2013, His Grace, Bishop Gregory traveled to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Erie, PA to celebrate with the faithful, the 75th anniversary of the parish.
The anniversary weekend began with the celebration of Great Vesper on Saturday, Sept. 21. Fr. Don Valasek, the host pastor and Very Rev. Protopresbyter Ronald Hazuda, Pastor Emeritus, along with Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky, Dean of the Youngstown Deanery, Parish vocations Protopresbyter John Gido and Rev. Fr. Stephen Krivonak and area clergy concelebrated the Vespers, while His Grace, Bishop Gregory presided at the Episcopal Throne. The evening concluded with a celebratory banquet.
On Sunday September 22, the festal celebration concluded with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and an informal brunch.
Photos are courtesy of Mark DeHaven and Ken Vasil.
The anniversary weekend began with the celebration of Great Vesper on Saturday, Sept. 21. Fr. Don Valasek, the host pastor and Very Rev. Protopresbyter Ronald Hazuda, Pastor Emeritus, along with Very Rev. Protopresbyter Kenneth Bachofsky, Dean of the Youngstown Deanery, Parish vocations Protopresbyter John Gido and Rev. Fr. Stephen Krivonak and area clergy concelebrated the Vespers, while His Grace, Bishop Gregory presided at the Episcopal Throne. The evening concluded with a celebratory banquet.
On Sunday September 22, the festal celebration concluded with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and an informal brunch.
Photos are courtesy of Mark DeHaven and Ken Vasil.
Interior of St Nicholas Church 75th Anniversary Erie Pa
Bishop Gregory prays during Vespers.
Bishop Gregory and the Diocese Priests
Diocesan Priests surround His Grace, Bishop Gregory at the Episcopal Throne.
Fr. Don Valasek during the service
Great Vespers
Parishioners in attendance at Great Vespers.
The entire congregation joined in the singing.
The cantors led the responses to Vespers.
Bishop Gregory delivers his sermon to the congregation following Vesper services.
Deanery clergy and parish vocations pose with His Grace, Bishop Gregory. (St Nicholas Church, 75th Anniversary)
The Diocesen Priests at the altar of St. Nicholas Church 75th Anniversary.
St. Nicholas 75th Anniversary Banquet Brochure
The beautifully decorated banquet head table.
Fr. Don Valasek & Bishop Gregory sing "God Bless America" with the gathering.
Fr. Don Valasek - Bishop Gregory - Proto Ken Bachofsky - Proto Ronald Hazuda ((St Nicholas Church, 75th Anniversary)
Eleni Dimitriadis and Jayden Gaydosh present Bishop Gregory with flowers at the anniversary banquet.
Church President Mr. Richard A. Koerner, Jr. looks on as the flowers are being presented.
Eleni and Jayden presented flowers to Bishop Gregory
Fr Donald Valasek, the host pastor, offers remarks at the banquet.
Parishoners Mark and Maggie
Parishoner and artist Don Kusmin presents special hand painted cross to Bishop Gregory.
Presentation of the unique laser carved and hand painted cross to Bishop Gregory from President Richard Koerner.
Parishoner Kathy Sesco 2nd from left with her chamber music during the banquet dinner.
Parishoner David Lipchick provided the laser carved, then hand painted cross given to Bishop Gregory - with Past interim Pastor Fr. Stephen Loposky.
Flower Presenters to Bishop Gregory and children of the parish - Eleni Dimitriadis & Jayden Gaydosh.
Bishop Gregory recognized those families of the founders. One such person - Mrs. Mary "Raydo" DeHaven with Pastor Don Valasek
Event workers - Joanne Coursin - Kay Jankowski - Pam Vasil - Photos provided by Pam's husband Ken Vasil.
Altar Boy and presenter Jayden Gaydosh and his father.
Fr. Don Valasek remarks at the 75th Anniversary Banquet
Protopresbyter and pastor emeritus Ronald Hazuda 75th Anniversary rememberances.
Church Council President Richard Koerner,Jr. Toastmaster