Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church

This Sunday the parishes of Holy Ghost and St George came together for divine liturgy.  The Feast of Theophany was held at St George in Trumbull with Fr John Jillions presiding.  Parishoners of Holy Ghost were kindly welcomed by the members of St George.  A notable sermon was given by Fr John that recalled of the history of the two churches coming together in the past.  Thank you St George for a memorable liturgy!

This past Sunday the Holy Ghost community came together to fill 50 “St Nicholas Sacks” provided by FOCUS, for those in need in the surrounding towns.  Items such as toothpaste, tissues, and washcloths were stuffed in reusable canvas totes.  Church school children provided cards and parishoners donated items for the sacks.  The totes will be distributed in the coming weeks before Christmas.  Thank you to young and old who helped!

This Christmas season, Holy Ghost Church will partner with FOCUS North America, an Orthodox organization, aimed at providing action-oriented and sustainable solutions to poverty in communities, and deliver “St Nicholas Sacks.”     Sacks will be filled with various hygiene essentials such as toothpaste, tissues, and deodorant, as well as toys and games.  Fifty sacks will be assembled and delivered to those in need in the surrounding communities.  All are welcomed to contribute and participate in this first partnership with FOCUS.  We look forward to spreading some cheer to those in need!

The 25th Annual FORCC Benefit Banquet will be held on Sunday, October 7th at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, Park Ave., Bridgeport beginning at 1:00 P.M.  This year’s speaker is Father (Dr.) George Parsenios.  Father George is a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary and at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary. The title of his presentation will be “Holy Tradition & the Greatest Commandment:  Everyday Life & Our Orthodox Faith”.  For tickets, see Rich or Mary Ann Kendall, our FORCC representatives. (Tickets are not available at the door.)

Today marked another chapter for Holy Ghost.  Father John Jillions served his first Divine Liturgy as the parish’s new priest.  It was with great joy that Holy Ghost welcomed Father John Jillions and his wife Matuska Denise to the community.  Holy Ghost has been without a permanent priest since Fr Steven Belonick retired in October.  Fr David Mezynki has graciously served as our interim priest for the past 9 months.  A delicious brunch was prepared by a few members of the parish followed by a cake to celebrate the special occasion. Holy Ghost is very excited and blessed to have Fr John as its new priest!

A few words on Fr John, taken from the SVS Press website.

He joins the church after serving as Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America since 2011 and has been a member of the clergy for 34 years.  Before his role as Chancellor he was Associate Professor at the Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, where he was a member of the Faculty of Theology since 2003. He taught courses in Orthodox Theology, 20th Century Orthodox Thought, New Testament, East-West Ecumenism, and Pastoral Theology. He also directed the DMin program there for several years.

Throughout his priestly and academic career he has taken an active interest in promoting inter- Christian and interfaith understanding, most notably as a vice-president of the Canadian Council of Churches and in the UK as a member of the Cambridge Theological Federation.

Father John was born in Montreal in 1955 and is a life-long member of the Orthodox Church. He has a B.A. in Economics from McGill University, and theological degrees from St. Vladimir’s Seminary (M.Div. ’80, D.Min. ’05), and the University of Thessaloniki (Ph.D., New Testament, ’02). Ordained a deacon in 1981 and priest in 1984, he served parishes in New York City, New Jersey, Australia (Brisbane), Greece (Thessaloniki), the UK (Cambridge), and Canada (Ottawa and Brockville, ON). He is currently rector of St. Sergius Chapel at the OCA Chancery in Oyster Bay Cove, New York.

Father John was founding director of the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge and served as its first Principal (1997–2002). Early in his career, he served as administrator of Ss. Cosmas and Damian Adult Home and as a bank officer. In 1990–92 he served a brief stint as a chaplain (Captain) in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He is married to Denise (Melligon) and has three adult sons, Andrew (Alice and granddaughter Eloise), Alexander and Anthony.

Welcome Father John!  God grant you many years!

This past Sunday, Father David Mezynski, who has been serving as Holy Ghost’s interim priest, served his last divine liturgy at the Shelton church grounds.  Father Michael has been with Holy Ghost since November, after the retirement of Father Steven Belonick.  Fr. David Mezynski is the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at St Vladimir’s Seminary as well as the advisor for the Student Council, and a liaison between the Student Council and the Faculty Council.

Holy Ghost thanks him very much for his time and service to our community.  He will be missed!

Holy Ghost is looking for a CPA to offer services in regards to taxes, preferably pro bono.  Please contact President, Mark Curran at (203) 526-8863.

Thank you!!

Please make note of our new time for Divine Liturgy on Sundays.  Liturgy will start at 8:00 am during the months of July and August.  See you then!