Category: News

Collecting Winter Goods For Families Newly In Cape Shelters

Currently, Joint Base Cape Cod is housing 62 families. At present, an additional 25 families are sheltered in a hotel in Yarmouth, and 27 families in a Bourne hotel. All are placed by the State of Massachusetts after entering the country legally, and after qualifying for shelter placement following strict State guidelines.

During the month of October, the Cape Cod Council of Churches is collecting essential winter wear for these men, women, and children. We have bins set up for your donations through the end of October. The list of items needed is as follows:
Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s (all sizes):

  • Winter Hats
  • Gloves
  • Boots
  • Coats
  • Sweaters
  • Snowsuits (for babies)
  • Car Seat Covers (for infants)
  • Hand Warmers
  • Umbrellas

Monetary donations are also being accepted. If you would like to donate, please make your checks out to St Michael Orthodox Church and note “resettling families” in the memo.
Thank you for your generosity! If you have any questions, please see Soraya, Macrina, or Kristin.

Many Thanks to Zoya Sheglov for the New Icon

A new icon has been added to the St. Michael iconostasis. Many thanks to our own iconographer Zoya Sheglov! Bishop JOHN blessed the icon on September 30t, 2023. The icon has been placed above the Royal Doors. The side with the Mystical Supper is facing the congregation, and the other side with the Trinity is facing the altar.

Ordination of Dn. James Irving to the Holy Priesthood – September 30, 2023

Axios! He is worthy! Moustahiq!

On Saturday, September 30, 2023, Deacon James Irving was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Grace Bishop JOHN at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cotuit. Fr. James is assigned as the Pastor of St. Michael’s by His Eminence Metropolitan Saba. AXIOS to Fr. James, Kh. Valerie and their children Alison, Paul & Ben. May God grant them many years!

Divine Liturgy and Ordination on Sat, Sep 30th 2023

Glory to Jesus Christ!

It is a joy and pleasure to announce that Deacon James Irving will be ordained to the holy priesthood and be assigned to the pastorate of St. Michael as our priest, effective September 30th.

Please join Bishop John and our parish community at Deacon James’ ordination to the holy priesthood this Saturday, September 30th at 9:00 AM. Following Divine Liturgy and the ordination, we will welcome Fr. James and Kh. Valerie at luncheon in the Parish Hall.

In light of the Divine Liturgy and Ordination on Saturday morning, we will not have vespers on Saturday evening. Fr. James will officiate at Orthros and Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 1st.

Please join in congratulating Deacon James on his ordination and appointment!

Peace in Christ!

The Parish Council of St. Michael the Archangel Antiochian Orthodox Church

Non-food Donations to the Food Pantry

The Family Pantry of Cape Cod is requesting NON-FOOD donations as their current need is great for health and beauty products. We would like to collect items by the end of October 2023. Please consider the following sample list of items – think of things you find in the pharmacy:

  • Toothpaste/toothbrush/floss
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Soap
  • Razors/shaving gel
  • Bandaids
  • Nail clippers
  • Body lotion
  • Comb/hairbrush

This is just a sample of products. Anything would be appreciated, although they specifically said NO FEMININE HYGIENE products.

Please consider bringing a few items to each service that you attend to help us collect as many items as possible by the end of October.

Church School Registration Form 2023-2024

Please fill out and return the registration form (one per family).
Bible Study for kids ages 10 and older will start on Sunday, September 17th at 9:15 AM (attention time was changed). Please, see Ned Chatelain if you have any questions.
The Church School for younger kids will start after all materials are ready. This is why we are calling all artists. We need help painting fine details and drawing figures on pre-cut forms for our Atrium church school program. Please consider donating your talent to help teach our children the faith using this tactile and immersive teaching program. We have lots of items to be completed in order to proceed to the next level in our course. See Macrina (Colleen) Stewart if you can help or would like more information.

Backpack Blessings 2023 Thank You!

Backpacks for kids from Cataumet Village Shelter were filled with supplies and delivered along with trash cans. Thank you so much for donating time, supplies, and money.

Memory Eternal Rev. Father Nicholas Manikas

It is with great sadness and yet hope in the resurrection that we inform you of the repose of Rev. Father Nicholas Manikas this Thursday, August 24, 2023. Fr. Nick was the priest at St. Michael from 2001 to 2014.

Visiting Hours and Services will be at St. Demetrios Church (57 Brown Street, Weston, MA) and streamed at https://www.stdemetriosweston.org/live-streaming. Visiting Hours will be on Wednesday, August 30 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The Funeral will be on Thursday, August 31 at 9:00 AM, followed by Burial at Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland.

Father Nicholas’ obituary can be found here.

May his memory be eternal!

Announcement from The Parish Council – August 9, 2023

Dear St. Michael Family,

It is with heavy hearts and yet acceptance through the grace given to us by God, that we share with you the news that our beloved Fr. Ben Kjendal has been appointed as the Assistant Pastor (Second Priest) of Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church in Yakima, Washington. Father’s appointment is effective September 1st, in preparation for the retirement of the V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Copeland, on March 1, 2024. At that time, God willing, Fr. Ben will succeed him as Pastor (Proistamenos).

Our community of St. Michael has been blessed and has prospered under Fr. Ben’s stewardship for the past nine years. Fr. Ben, Kh. Alyssa and their family have so positively impacted all of us at St. Michael in all aspects of their ministry. We are grateful for their service to us and we are especially thankful for Father’s abiding love for our community.

We know that although Father and his family will miss us, they are also honored by and excited for this new opportunity and assignment. Please join the Parish Council in community on Sunday, August 20th, 2023, for Orthros, Divine Liturgy, and a cookout following services to celebrate Fr. Ben’s ministry here and wish Father, Kh. Alyssa and the Kjendal Family our best wishes as they depart for Yakima.

May this be blessed! May God grant them many years!

The Parish Council of St. Michael the Archangel Antiochian Orthodox Church