July 2021 is here and we are anxious to get back to our normal routine returning a coffee hour for our parishioners and visitors after Sunday Divine Liturgy at St. John’s. It was a gathering of happy friends finally having a chance to engage in conversations of interest to each other. Since March 2020, every Sunday there was a quick “hi” and sometimes a “how are you doing” and then a scattering of everyone to their cars. This Sunday, at coffee hour, we celebrated a birthday with cake and candles for our parishioner George Hook, looking wonderful celebrating his 92nd birthday. We learned that two parishioners are going to be grandmothers once more in the fall. A dear woman parishioner who had been ill during the shutdown was also at the coffee hour looking very well and lovely. We were all together again so let us …”thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wonderful works to the sons of men!” (Ps 107:21) Pictures are in the Photo Gallery.

June was a busy month. On June 20, Father’s Day, we honored our living fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and uncles of our parish with prayers during liturgy; and, later, after liturgy, presented all those attending the service with a small gift. May God grant them all Many Years! Prayers were also offered for our departed fathers who had fallen asleep in the Lord. Memory Eternal! On Sunday June 6, Father Maryan, Mat. Lana and their children, Iryna and Michael hosted a wonderful and delicious back yard social following Divine Liturgy. Pictures of that event are in the Photo Gallery.

On Thursday, June 24th, St. John the Baptist, the Forerunner of Christ, was commemorated on the feast day of his nativity. The Divine Liturgy, always a moving and spiritual experience, was enhanced by the presence of His Eminence, Archbishop Michael. The beautiful voices that resonated from the choir with their responses and hymns added to the powerful beauty of the service. Truly a spiritual event. The Church observes the Nativity of St. John the Baptist as a feast day, an honor only shared by the Holy Virgin Mary whose birth is celebrated on September 8. Christ Himself said that St. John is greatest “among those that are born of women…” He prepared the way for the coming of the Lord and, at the Jordan River, Baptized Christ. He is also a Martyr and Prophet, telling us all, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In his icon, he is portrayed with the wings of an Angel, not only because he was the unique messenger of God preparing the way for Christ, but also because of the sanctity of his life. We thank His Eminence, Archbishop Michael for being with us at this important feast day for St. John’s. Pictures are in the Photo Gallery.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in July. Among those are: Stephanie Kibitelsky on July 1; Maryann Stagen on July 4; Kathy Cahayla, July 10; Peggy Kovalycsik , July 11; Helen Baron, July 22; Kathy Petrow, July 24; Brielle Hope Anderson, July 25; Austin Christopher Anderson, July 27; and Betty Ann Fechisin on July 29. A very happy birthday to everyone celebrating their birthday in July and May God grant you all Many Years!

Remember our needy neighbors. The Food Pantry is always in need of food items. Please keep those less fortunate in mind and help us to feed those in need. A basket is in the vestibule of the church for your convenience. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity.

Summertime is a good time for many to catch up on reading. As a reminder, place the bible at the top of your reading list. The church office has Orthodox study bibles on sale at a nominal cost. Please see anyone in the office or any trustee for your copy. Every home should have one. Also we are challenged to learn about our faith and to love Christ. It is incumbent that you attend church during the summer. Remember, God’s love and blessings do not stop during the summer months so remember to go to church wherever you are vacationing. Jesus tells us Himself that: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matt 18:20)