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125th Anniversary Celebration in Perth Amboy, NJ
St. John the Baptist Church in Perth Amboy, NJ celebrated its 125th Anniversary with a Liturgy of Thanksgiving on Saturday, September 10, 2022. The VRev. Fr. Michael Chendorain (host pastor) was assisted at the altar by Protopresbyter Robert Rebeck (a son of the parish), VRev. Fr. Dean Andrew Fetchina, Rev. Fr. Matthew Stagon, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Ellis, Protodeacon Gregory Benc, and altar servers from St. John's and the diocese. His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory was unable to attend due to lingering health issues but sent his prayers and greetings. Over 220 faithful gathered to celebrate this momentous milestone in parish and diocesan history. All photos courtesy of Ryan P. Newkirk.
The Main Doors of St. John's Church stands ready to welcome the faithful.
A Parishioner arrived early to pray and light candles in the newly renovated church interior.
Faithful and friends of St. John's Church made final preparations and decorated the church beautifully.
The call to worship began with the ringing of St. John's bells...a sound unmatched in the City of Perth Amboy.
Protodeacon Gregory Benc performs the Great Censing of the church.
The Gospel for the Liturgy of Thanksgiving (Luke 17:11-17) is proclaimed by the Deacon.
Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Fetchina, Dean of New Jersey, offered the homliy on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary.
"For 125 years you have witnessed. You have labored. You have prayed. You have received the Body and Blood of Christ." - Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Fetchina
Parishioners and faithful from across the Diocese gathered to sing the responses for the celebratory liturgy.
Professor George Hanas directs the choir with vigor.
"We who mystically represent the Cherubim..."
The Great Entrance is made with the altar boys, deacon and priests.
"May the Lord God, remember all of you Orthodox Christians, now and ever and forever."
"In blessed remembrance and forgiveness of the sins of the ever-worthy to be remembered founders, builders and benefactors of this holy church..."
"Let us lift up our hearts!"
Receive the Body of Christ. The faithful come forward to receive the Eucharist.
"O God save your people and bless your inheritance."
Very Rev. Fr. Michael Chendorain gives the final dismissal prayer.
Helmin Caba, the Mayor of Perth Amboy, offers words of thanks and congratulations to the parish for its contributions to the city and his pledge of financial support to the communities of faith who were afffected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mayor Caba reads the Official Mayoral Proclamation.
Fr. Michael receives the Mayoral Proclamation from Mayor Caba at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
Fr. Michael announces the appointment of RoseMaire Smisko and Francis Ello as Honorary Trustees, with a blessing, at the conclusion of the Liturgy.
"O God of Spirits and of All Flesh...," Fr. Michael serves a Panachida for the departed members of the St. John's Church.
The faithful in attendance gather for a group photo.
"Eis polla eti despota and Mnohaja L'ita" are sung by the choir in the exclamations chanted by the deacon at the close of the Liturgy.
The clergy and altar boys who served at the Altar for the Divine Liturgy.