06/01/2026
Dear Participants, Volunteers, Parishioners, Sponsors, and Friends,
As we reflect on the conclusion of the 5th Annual Holy in One Golf Tournament, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the many blessings God bestowed upon this year's event.
Five years ago, Holy in One began with a simple vision: to bring people together in fellowship while supporting meaningful charitable outreach in our community. What started with just 24 golfers and 6 volunteers has grown into something truly special. This year, we were blessed to welcome 46 golfers and 8 dedicated volunteers, and we are humbled by the continued support of so many generous individuals, families, and businesses.
Once again, we were blessed to complete the tournament without rain—five consecutive years and counting. While the Florida heat and humidity presented a challenge throughout the day, the cloud cover provided some welcome relief and helped make conditions a little more manageable. Despite the demanding weather, the enthusiasm, perseverance, and positive spirit of our golfers and volunteers never wavered. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, a testament to the camaraderie, fellowship, and generosity that continue to define the Holy in One experience.
From the first tee shot to the final putt, the day was filled with laughter, encouragement, and friendly competition. The gathering afterward—sharing hot dogs, hamburgers, dinner, and conversation—provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen friendships and celebrate our shared purpose.
One of the highlights of the day was the outstanding performance of Holden Evans and his foursome, who captured the championship and earned the title of 2026 Holy in One Golf Tournament Champions. Their teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship embodied the spirit of the tournament and made for an exciting competition. Congratulations to Holden and his team on a well-deserved victory.
Another memorable moment came during the $10,000 Hole-in-One Contest on the Par 3 challenge. While Ryan Blott's tee shot did not find the cup for the grand prize, it landed close enough to earn him Closest-to-the-Pin honors and qualify for an additional opportunity—a 60-foot putting challenge worth $2,500.
Although Ryan was unable to sink the putt, his performance was one of the most exciting moments of the day. In fact, he came closer than anyone in the tournament's five-year history to potentially claiming both prizes. His effort generated tremendous excitement and reminded everyone how a single shot can change everything.
While the $10,000 Hole-in-One Prize and the $2,500 Putting Challenge remain unclaimed, Ryan's near-miss has certainly raised expectations for the future. Perhaps 2027 will finally be the year someone walks away a winner. Whether it is Ryan returning for another attempt or another golfer stepping up to the challenge, we look forward to seeing what excitement awaits at the 6th Annual Holy in One Golf Tournament.
Yet while the golf was enjoyable, the true success of Holy in One is not measured by scores, trophies, or prize money.
It is measured by the lives that will be touched because of the generosity demonstrated by everyone who participated.
This year's theme, "Faith in Action — Love Made Visible," reminds us that faith is not merely something we believe—it is something we live.
At Saint James Orthodox Church, under the spiritual leadership of Father Maximus, we strive to make our faith visible through acts of service, compassion, and generosity. The Christian life is not confined to Sunday worship alone; it extends into our homes, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our communities. It is reflected in how we care for one another and how we respond to those in need.
Holy in One is a beautiful example of that calling.
Through your participation and support, this event continues to make a tangible difference. Through our partnership with GraceWay Village, families facing hardship will receive meals, assistance, and hope. Through Operation Wings, children will receive bicycles, helmets, encouragement, and opportunities that bring joy, confidence, and dignity into their lives.
These are not simply charitable programs.
They are expressions of Christian love in action.
They are reminders that when people come together with generous hearts, lives can be changed.
The Apostle John beautifully captures the spirit of this event when he writes:
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
— 1 John 3:18
Those words reflect exactly what Holy in One represents. It is more than a golf tournament. It is a community coming together to turn faith into action, compassion into service, and love into something visible and tangible for those who need it most.
We are especially grateful to Father Maximus for his guidance, encouragement, and steadfast commitment to serving Christ through service to others. His leadership continues to inspire our parish community to reach beyond itself and be a light to those around us.
On a personal note, my family and I are deeply grateful to be members of Saint James Orthodox Church. The friendships, spiritual growth, and sense of family we have found within this parish have enriched our lives beyond measure. It is a blessing to be part of a church community that continually seeks to put faith into practice and make God's love visible in the world.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors whose support helped make this year's tournament possible:
EP6 – The Evans Family (Leanna and Heath Evans)
LAZ Parking – The Kuziak Family
GrayRobinson – The Topoloski Family
The Markovich Family
National Orthodox Baby Shower
Elite Home Health – The Neveux Family
Foundation for Cancer Research – The Hrywnak Family
My Inheritance Cash – The Tropper Family
Treasure Coast Sleep Disorders – The Mamangakis Family
NorthAmerican Advertising - The Salcedo Family
Independent Business Owners, Network Marketing (U.S. & Caribbean) – Nino, Natalia, and Morgana
We also offer special recognition to Melissa, Janos, and Bella for their sponsorship made in loving memory of their father and grandfather, Milan. Their support serves as a beautiful tribute to his memory and legacy.
Your generosity transformed a day on the golf course into an opportunity to serve others and strengthen our community. More importantly, your support will help extend the mission of Saint James Orthodox Church beyond its walls and into the lives of those who need it most. We are profoundly grateful for your partnership, friendship, and commitment to making a difference.
To every golfer, volunteer, parishioner, sponsor, donor, and friend who participated in this year's event: thank you.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your generosity.
Thank you for your belief in the mission of Saint James Orthodox Church and the work being accomplished through GraceWay Village and Operation Wings.
Most importantly, thank you for helping make this year's theme a reality.
Faith in Action. Love Made Visible.
As we look forward to next year, may we continue to seek opportunities to serve, to give, and to make a difference in the lives of others. We hope you will join us again for the 6th Annual Holy in One Golf Tournament in 2027 as we continue this growing tradition of fellowship, generosity, and service.
May God continue to bless our parish, our community, and all those who work to bring hope, compassion, and love to those in need.
With heartfelt gratitude,
John Marsano
Saint James Orthodox Church
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
— 1 John 3:18
Faith in Action — Love Made Visible
