“I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O LORD , That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works. LORD , I have loved the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. (Ps 26:6-8)

The month of October comes with the rustle of falling leaves, cool temperatures, and beautiful colors. God shows His love to us all by the beautiful earth that unfolds before us. Now, as always, is the time to return to the comforting ambiance of the church, the beautiful scent of the incense and the warmth of the glowing candles and thank God for His many blessings.

We are truly fortunate to live in a beautiful country. God has blessed us all who live here, rich and poor. Throughout the world, there are many people who look here with hopes to reach our shores. As many other immigrants, my parents arrived here many years ago, and adapted to the area and worked and lived here happily. As time went by, they and all their family and friends who also came here, became citizens, were passionate church attendees, worked in various industries and voted in the elections with great pride. They fought in various wars to defend this land and some died, and that became part of our history.

We here at St. John’s are now happily involved in the preparations of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of our church. The parishioners of our church started as the immigrants mentioned above and became citizens, voted in elections, and some even died for our country, and they all loved their church.

Our little church on Jackson Street was small but beautifully maintained by our devoted parishioners. In the basement below the church, we had classrooms of children attending Church School each Sunday. Curtains were hung between classes to keep age connected students together. There was a small kitchen in the basement and the major room, with curtains drawn to the side, was used for trustee meetings and small “R” Club functions. We soon outgrew our facilities and built the beautiful structure on the corner of Harrison and Lexington Avenue. And it is in honor of our worshipping ancestors, and of all our parishioners today as well, that we celebrate our love and devotion to St. John Orthodox Church.

Be sure to join us on July 20, 2025. Let us pray: “O Lord Jesus Christ our God, who in Thy mercy and loving-kindness dost regard the whole heart, incline Thine ear and hear my prayer , now humbly offered unto Thee. Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church; confirm and strengthen it, increase it and keep it in peace, and preserve it unconquerable forever.” Pictures of renovations and upkeep are posted in the Photo Gallery.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in October including: Daniel Kary, Marie Baron and Maya Columbus on Oct. 10; Dennis Maixner Oct. 21; Helena Czech Oct. 22; Lauren Silvestre Oct. 25; and Elizabeth Hatsko on Oct. 30. May God grant each of them a very Happy Birthday and Many Years!

Many thanks to all those who reliably donate to our food pantry. Remember that Thanksgiving and Christmas donations will soon be needed to fill our baskets for our less fortunate neighbors. Your help is greatly appreciated.