Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church

06/02/2026

The Kneeling Prayers of Pentecost (also known as Gonuklisia or Kneeling Vespers) is a distinctive Orthodox service held during the Vespers on the evening of Pentecost Sunday, although often served immediately following the Divine Liturgy.

This service is significant because it marks the first time since Pascha (Easter) that the faithful kneel or make full prostrations during worship, as kneeling is traditionally forbidden from Easter until Pentecost to celebrate the Resurrection. The prayers were composed by Saint Basil the Great in the 4th century.

06/02/2026

We had a churching of mother and baby this past Sunday. 💚

The 40-day churching (or Sarantismos) is an Orthodox Christian tradition where a mother and her newborn are welcomed back into the church for a special blessing usually the closest Sunday 40 days after birth, mirroring the Presentation of Christ at the Temple.

This period allows the mother a sacred time for postpartum recuperation and bonding, during which she typically refrains from receiving the Eucharist or attending regular services.

The service involves the priest blessing both the mother and child, often in the narthex or at the church doors, before carrying the infant into the nave or sanctuary to dedicate them to God.

While historically rooted in Mosaic Law’s purification rites, modern practice emphasizes thanksgiving for safe delivery and the formal introduction of the child to the Church community, often coinciding with or preceding the child’s Baptism.

05/31/2026

A group from our parish traveled to the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA this week to venerate the Myrrh-streaming Icon of the Mother of God from Hawaii. 💙

05/30/2026

Memory Eternal to the handmaid of God Anna (Mehelko) Hoppenstand who was laid to eternal rest in our cemetery Monday morning. ☦️

05/29/2026

Congratulations and Many Years to Gabriel and Aubrey who were joined together in Holy Matrimony last Saturday! 💒 Crown them with Glory and Honor! 👑 👑

“The love of husband and wife is the force that welds society together. Men will take up arms and even sacrifice their lives for the sake of this love. When harmony prevails, the children are raised well, the household is kept in order, and neighbors, friends, and relatives praise the result. Great benefits, both for families and states are thus produced.” +Saint John Chrysostom

wedding holymatrimony

05/28/2026

Several of our parishioners were able to partake in this!

05/27/2026

Due to a family emergency, Daily Vespers and Catechumen Discovery Class is canceled this evening.

05/24/2026

According to tradition, the First Ecumenical Council was attended by 318 bishops, including the famous and greatly beloved Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia, and Saint Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous in Cyprus.

05/23/2026

Eis polla eti, Despota! Many years!

Wishing His Eminence, Archbishop Melchisedek, a blessed Name's Day on the Feast of The Righteous Melchizedek, King of Salem! Eis polla eti, Despota!