Orthodoxy in America
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Welcome to our family - Ss. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church located in Bayonne, NJ. Our church is a parish of the Orthodox Church in America, Diocese of New York and New Jersey. It was founded in December 1922 by our Slavic ancestors from different parts of Eastern Europe. The Divine Services are in English. Over the past 97 years, thousands of people have called Ss. Peter and Paul their home. Maybe this parish is the kind of spiritual home you have been searching for as well – please come and see, we would love to have you pray with us. Please check out the rest of our web site. We hope that you enjoy your visit and find useful information about our Parish. Friday, 11 Sep 2020 Photo Gallery: Vespers for Nativity of Theotokos Saint Vladimir's Church, Tre... 11 Sep 2020 at 1:41pm Monday, 19 Oct 2020  |
This Sunday's Special Offerings Sanctuary Lamp offered John and Helen Wanko in memory of Stephen Brelinsky (anniversary of repose). Parastas NONE Announcements & Events
Ss. Peter & Paul Church is now Open for Public Service
Gov. Murphy included houses of worship in a new executive order that increases the limits on indoor gatherings in the state from 10 to 50 people or 25% or a building’s capacity — whichever is lower — effective immediately. Our capacity is 25 people which is high enough to allow anyone who wants to attend church services to do so, while still being a manageable number for maintaining our social distancing protocols.
If you want to attend public services and are over age 65, then according to the instructions of the OCA's Holy Synod and our diocese, you need to state to me that you do not consider yourself to be at high risk by attending services, so that I can certify to that effect if asked by our diocesan authorities. Those who have serious underlying health conditions which place them at "high risk" (other than age) are not advised to resume attending public services at this time. If you are not feeling well, you are asked not to arrange a visit to the church.
(1) There will be an "usher" to direct people to their seats in the pews on arrival, and to control the flow of people approaching for holy communion (will will be done one pew at a time). Failure to cooperate shall result in the closing of the church again.
(2) The names of all persons must be signed into a registry upon arrival. This necessary not only to keep count of the number of people in church at the same time, but in the unfortunate event somebody contracts COVID-19, that we would be able to trace everyone who may have had exposure.
Reminder: Face masks and hand sanitizer are available in the church vestibule for your use. I shall wear a face mask while dispensing holy communion.
Also, parishioners may make an appointment to receive holy communion on Sunday mornings at the front porch of the church, however: (1) you must inform Fr. Sophrony in advance that you would like to receive holy communion; (2) you must be in the church parking lot by 10:00 a.m. (Reader Stephen will come to your car to escort you to the church’s front porch); (3) you must have kept the fasting rules for communion (unless granted a dispensation by Fr. Sophrony due to a health condition such as diabetes), and (4) unless you’ve already made your Lenten confession this year, you must go to confession first. Confession may be done via the telephone when you call to make your appointment to visit the church. Lastly, for anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable about visiting the church at this time, you can always call the Rectory to have a votive candle lit, or offer prayer intentions, or reserve one of the weekly Special Offerings (Altar Vigils, Sanctuary Lamp, Triple Candelabra, St. John’s and St. Nicholas’ Crosses). Giving During This Crisis
Please continue to give as you normally would during this crisis. Even though you are not attending church there are still bills that need to be paid. This is a time when we need for everyone who is able to give to the church, and to even consider increasing their contributions to make up for those temporarily unable to give. You may mail your contributions weekly, or monthly if you prefer, to the parish’s mailing address of: 98 West 28th Street, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002. Thank you in advance for your continued support of Ss. Peter and Paul’s Orthodox Church. May Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you all!
Upcoming Services
Saturday, October 31st 5:00pm Great Vespers Sunday, November 1st 9:20am 3rd Hour 9:30am Divine Liturgy Find an Orthodox Parish Near You
Ancient Faith Radio
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Lives of Ss. Peter and Paul
Holy Apostles Peter and Paul are traditionally regarded as the leaders of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.
Both St. Peter and
St Peter, the brother of St Andrew, was a fisherman on the sea of Galilee. He was married, and Christ healed his mother-in-law of a fever (Mt.8:14). He, with James and John, witnessed the most important miracles of the Savior's earthly life.
Despite his earlier recognition of Christ as the Son of God, he denied Him three times on the night before the Crucifixion. Therefore, after His Resurrection, the Lord asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Then He told Peter to feed His sheep (John 21:15-17).
After the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, St. Peter addressed the crowd (Acts 2:14), and performed many miracles in Christ's name. He baptized Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10:48). He was cast into prison, but escaped with the help of an angel (Acts 5:19). St. Peter also traveled to many places in order to proclaim the Gospel message. He wrote two Epistles, which are part of the New Testament.
St. Peter was put to death in
At first, he was called Saul, and had persecuted the Church. He was present at the stoning of St. Stephen (Acts 7: 58). Then, on the road to