JOHNSTOWN, PA - [Diocesan Chancery] -- The 2nd Annual Stewardship Retreat will be held at Camp Nazareth from September 22-24, 2017. This Year's Theme is Igniting the Flame of True Stewardship.

On Friday evening, Mother Christophora, Abbess of The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, will be the presenter. On Saturday, Bill Marianes, Ancient Faith Radio contributor and Stewardship Evangelist from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, will be the day-long presenter. The Retreat is open to Coordinators, Clergy and members of Church Boards.

There is no charge and lodging will be provided by the Camp.

JOHNSTOWN, PA - With great sorrow, the Diocesan Chancery announces that Matushka Catherine Jula reposed in the Lord on Monday, August 7. 2017.

Matushka Catherine Jula (Jugan), age 83, was the beloved wife of the late V. Rev. Dr. Stephen Jula, the founding pastor of our Diocesan Christ the Saviour Orthodox Church in North Royalton, Ohio . She is survived by her children Ilarion (Rita), Maria Jula, and Anthony (Linda), her grandchildren Stephanie, Catherine, Megan, and Nathaniel and siblings Helen Hart, Millie Muir, George and Donald, She was pre-deceased by parents Michael and Mary (nee Kozar) Jugan, one sister and five brothers.

JOHNSTOWN, PA [Diocesan Chancery] --- The 2017 Orthodox Youth Mission Team (OYMT) has arrived safely in Alaska. With the assistance of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, (OCMC) The team will be participating in a week long mission trip in Napaskiak, Alaska. The team of high youth and adult leaders from parishes of the Carpatho- Russian, Orthodox Church in American and the Greek Orthodox Dioceses are excited for this opportunity to serve the Lord and put their faith to work. While in Napaskiak, they will be involved in a church construction project and will be assisting with an Orthodox Youth Camp program.

JOHNSTOWN, PA [National Jr. ACRY] -- From July 5 -7, 2017. A delegation from the National Junior ACRY traveled to St. John The Compassionate Mission in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to share in the work of the Mission.

While at the Mission, the youth, led by National Jr. ACRY Spiritual Advisor, Very Rev. Miles Zdinak, offered their assistance with meal preparation and other projects of benefit to the mission.

They also had the opportunity to meet with youth from St. Silouan the Athonite Mission Parish and take in a sight seeing tour of downtown Toronto.

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The schedule of His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa for July and August 2017 has been released by the Diocesan Chancery.

JOHNSTOWN, PA - With great sorrow, the Diocesan Chancery announces the falling asleep in the Lord of Very Rev. Protopresbyter Elias Kozar, Pastor Emeritus of St. Mary's Orthodox Church of Yonkers, NY. early this morning (Sunday June 11, 2017).

Father Elias was born on January 19, 1926 in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, the son of Elias, Sr. and Anna Kozar. On January 25, 1948 he was married to Anna Yanoscik and he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence, Metropolitan Orestes Chornock on February 1, 1948 in Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church on 10th Street in New York City. He was elevated to Protopresbyter in October, 1976 by His Grace, +Bishop John Martin.

Father Elias served as Dean of the Eastern Seaboard Deanery which consisted of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and President of the Westchester, NY Orthodox Clergy Fellowship.

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The schedule of His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa for June 2017 has been released by the Diocesan Chancery.

JOHNSTOWN, PA - With Great sorrow, the Diocesan Chancery announces the falling asleep in the Lord of Metropolitan Philotheos of Meloa, the sole surviving Consecrator of His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas on May 11, 2017 following a short illness.

JOHNSTOWN, PA [Diocesan Chancery] The words of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" (Revelation 22:13) come to mind as His Grace, Bishop Gregory and the clergy and faithful of the Diocese mourn the passing to eternal life of both a junior and a senior priest of the Diocese within a twenty four hour period.

JOHNSTOWN, PA - It is with great sorrow that His Grace, Bishop Gregory announces, the falling asleep in the Lord of Fr. William George, Pastor of Sts Peter and Paul Church of Rockaway, NJ late in the evening of Friday May 5, 2017 as a result of fatal injuries sustained in a car accident earlier that day.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Thurs., May 11th – reception of the body into SS. Peter and Paul Church, Rockaway, NJ with the Church opened the remainder of the day. Priest’s Parastas at 7 PM.

Fri., May 12th – 10 AM Funeral Liturgy followed by interment in the parish cemetery.

The clergy and faithful of the Diocese are kindly asked to keep the newly departed Priest William and his Pani Amy and their family and the Parish Community of Sts. Peter and Paul in their prayers.

JOHNSTOWN, PA - With great sorrow, the Diocesan Chancery announces the falling asleep in the Lord of Very Rev. Protopresbyter Ronald Hazuda on Thursday, May 5, 2017.

Born July 18, 1935 in Coaldale, Pa. he was a son of the late George, Sr. and Bertha (Medinci) Hazuda. He graduated from Nesquehoning High School and attended Penn State University and Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, Pa. where he graduated with a Licentiate of Theology. He later graduated from Gannon University with his B.A. Degree.

Fr. Ronald was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence, Metropolitan Orestes on June 8, 1958. He served his first pastorate as administrator of SS. Peter & Paul Church in Newark, N.J. for 14 months. In 1959 he was assigned to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Erie, PA where he served as pastor for over 52 years with piety, strength and unwavering faith.

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- [Diocesan Chancery] Registration is now open ONLINE for the Annual Diocesan Altar Boy Retreat which will take place from Sunday, June 25th to Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Christ the Saviour Seminary and Cathedral in Johnstown, PA.

This year's theme is the "The Mother of God..let us magnify her in song." The participants will be learning about the Feast Days of the Mother of God and also the traditional Plain Chant hymns that accompany each Feast.

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The schedule of His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa for May 2017 has been released by the Diocesan Chancery.

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The Diocesan Chancery has been informed that +Henry Beben, the father of Pani Marsha Tobias, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, April 25, 2017.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Friday April 28, 2017 - Parastas will be served at 7:30 pm at Rossi Funeral Home, North Road, Warren, Ohio. The funeral service will be sung on Saturday April 29th at 10:00 am at St. Nicholas Church, Warren, Ohio.

[NEW YORK, NY ] The first ever, national study on evangelization and outreach in Orthodox parishes in the United States has been released by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. The report "Go and Make Disciples: Evangelization and Outreach in US Orthodox Parishes" explores the practices and strategies developed by some Orthodox parishes that can be viewed as "exemplary" in their missionary and outreach efforts. Examples of what the readers will find in the report include: The "secrets" of being a parish that attracts and welcomes new members; Eight good practices of welcoming first-time visitors and inquirers about the Faith; How do "exemplary" parishes achieve a high degree of involvement of their members in parish life; Four distinct features of religious education in the "exemplary" parishes;and Six "lessons" that Church leadership (bishops) can learn from the "exemplary" parishes.

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- Each year, the National ACRY offers scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, technical school and seminary students. The scholarship program is designed to encourage diocesan youth to remain connected to the Church while pursuing higher education. Diocesan faithful who are members of the ACRY are invited to apply for the following scholarships: Freshman, Sophmore, Junior, Senior/Metropolitan Orestes, Graduate, Trade/Technical, Seminarian and Mary Kay Wanchak Memorial.

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- [Diocesan Chancery] Registration is now open ONLINE for the Fourth Annual Diocesan Young Women's Encounter which will take place from Sunday, June 25th to Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Sts Peter and Paul Church in Windber, PA which is open to young women in our Diocese ages 12-18.

This engaging experience includes spiritual discussions and special events. Explore the work of women in the Church, develop and strengthen friendships with other Orthodox young women

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- [Diocesan Chancery] The 4th Annual Young Women's Encounter, which will take place from Sunday, June 25th to Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Sts Peter and Paul Church in Windber, PA is fast approaching! Registration is online this year and is now LIVE! This event is open to young women in our Diocese ages 12-18. Register now as space is limited to 30 participants.
This engaging experience will include spiritual discussions and special events. Participants will explore the role of women in the church and develop and strengthen friendships with other Orthodox young women.

In this world where darkness unceasingly prowls and is ever ready to overtake and consume any goodness which may exist, we must remain steadfast in our faith and allow Christ’s Light to shine through us, transforming us into beacons of hope for the entire world.

During the beautiful service of the Resurrection, waiting in a darkened church, anticipating the Light, we should be mindful of what we are about to experience and its significance. The Resurrection is a real event. It is happening right now for all of us.

MERCER, PA [Camp Nazareth] -- Our Diocese is pleased to announce its first annual Camp Nazareth Alumni Day to be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 on the grounds of the Camp. All former Campers, Staff, Volunteers and Clergy alumni, and their families, are invited to attend the event. This includes the alumni from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh and the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Pennsylvania, both long-time user groups of the Camp. This first Alumni Day will include prayer services, fellowship time, dancing performances, a barbeque lunch, tours, presentations, of course a Camp craft!, slideshows, a special “Remember When” segment of the day, and a whole lot more as we continue to celebrate Camp Nazareth’s 40th Anniversary!! Alumni will have the opportunity to see their old Camp friends, share their fond memories of Camp, and meet other members of the Camp Nazareth family.