Diocesan Photo Gallery

Photo Galleries of the Various Institutions and Ministries of the Diocese

75th Parish Anniversary, St Michael's Freeland, PA (Sat 11/23/13)

On the weekend of November 23-24, 2013, the faithful of St. Michael's Orthodox Church in Freeland, PA welcomed His Grace, Bishop Gregory for his first Archpastoral visit.

Bishop Gregory was in attendance to preside over the parish's 75th anniversary celebration.

The posted photos show scenes from Great Vespers and the social that followed on Saturday, November 23, 2013.

Photos are courtesy of Reader Nicholas Worobey.
His Grace, Bishop Gregory presided over Great Vespers which was celebrated by Very Rev. Protopresbyter Lawrence Barriger, the Pastor of St. Michael's Church . Fr. Lawrence was assisted by Protodeacon Theodore Worobey and visiting clergy.
Fr. Lawrence Barriger reads the Prayers of Light.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul; O Lord, my God, You are great indeed. .." - Psalm 103 is chanted.
"Blessed is the entrance of Your Saints, always now and ever and forever."
"Most Holy Theotokos save us!" -
The final blessing at Vespers.
Bishop Gregory offered a few brief remarks at the conclusion of Vespers.
The faithful in attendance listen intently to Bishop Gregory.
The faithful enjoyed refreshments in the Church Hall following Vespers.
Bishop Gregory with Fr. Lawrence Barriger, Protodeacon Theodore Worobey and guest clergy.
The faithful await the arrival of Bishop Gregory
Parish President Sandy Gower welcoming His Grace with the traditional bread and salt.
Fr. Lawrence Barriger welcomes Bishop Gregory on the occasion of St. Michael's Diamond Jubilee.
"You have entered O Archpriest...." Bishop Gregory blessing the faithful as he processes into the Church.
Before the Divine Liturgy, Reader Daniel Vaskalis was ordained to the order of Subdeacon.
Subdeacon Daniel washes Bishop Gregory's hands.
Vesting of the subdeacon.
Placing of the orarion.
AXIOS!
The great censing.
The altar boys leading the Small Entrance.
Wisdom! Be attentive!
Fr. Lawrence reading the Gospel.
"Eis Polla Eti Despota!" Bishop Gregory blesses the faithful with the Gospel Book.
Bishop Gregory offers the homily.
Cantors Ed Bereznak and William Gower lead the responses during the Liturgy.
His Grace, censing the faithful during the Cherubic Hymn.
"May the Lord God remember in His Kingdom all you Orthodox Christians, always now and ever and forever. "
The singing of the Nicean Creed.
"Changing them by Your Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen." - The Consecration of the Holy Gifts.
"In the fear of God, with faith and with love, come forward."
"Receive the Body of Christ, taste the Fountain of Immortality."
A large number of faithful received the Precious Body and Blood of Christ.
His Grace, giving the final blessing.
All of those in attendance gathered for a group photo at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
Clergy and the altar boys.
Some of the little children gathered together for a picture with the Bishop.
"Let the little children come to me.." (Matthew 19:14)
John Kost giving the anniversary toast at the festive banquet which followed Divine Liturgy.
Aleah Kost, Marin and Mia Dremock presenting flowers to Bishop Gregory.
Many people from throughout the Pocono Deanery gathered to celebrate.
His Grace, offering words of encouragement to the parish faithful in his address at the Anniversary Banquet.