First Things First
Thank you to those from SS Peter and Paul who joined the Ascension Parish for their Feast Day Vespers and Divine Liturgy in Lincolnshire, where their new Church building was open for the first time. Cross-parish support is an important part of how we live the faith! Thank you to Chris Atsaves, the athletics coaches, and our student athletes for another outstanding year of sport and sportsmanship in our Christ-centered arenas. Thank you to Fr. Panagiotis and Philoptochos for recognizing our High School, College, and Graduate School graduates, along with Joanne Trahanas and the committees administering the Philoptochos Scholarship programs. Thank you to our dedicated ministry leaders (Bible studies, Cancer Support, Dynamis, GOYA, GOYAlums, Agape Preschool Camp), who provided activities in June and reminded participants and all of us that the Church is our vibrant, active home even in the relaxing summer months. Finally, many thanks to Julie Mantice and Angie Katsamakis for chairing the Parish Feastday celebrations on behalf of the Parish Council and Philoptochos. Our welcoming and inviting community spirit was heartfelt and well-received.
The Heart of the Matter
After the final Sunday Liturgy in May, Fr. Panagiotis announced a conclusion to our parish clergy search process and I offered a brief letter via the parish listserv reflecting His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael’s assignment decision. As our listserv coverage is growing, but still incomplete, the content is reprinted here:
Dear Parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul, Christ is in our midst!
Later this summer, we will welcome Fr. Rick Andrews as our new Proistameno and head priest. Fr. Rick joins us after 20 years at St. George parish in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has recently completed his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family counseling and is in his 25th year of priesthood, having also served at Holy Apostles in Westchester and Kimissis in Racine. Fr. Panagiotis will continue his pastoral ministry at SS Peter and Paul as associate pastor. Although roles will shift, the council foresees the assignment providing complimentary and strong leadership for the parish, aligned with our history, supporting our strategic plan, and enabling our growth and stability into the future.
The timing and details of Fr. Rick’s assignment will be coordinated over the summer and will be communicated as available. Please join me in offering a heartfelt welcome to Father Rick and Presbytera Jane when they arrive.
I will close with a thank you to the community for your patience, prayer, and effort through this process, as we worked together to live the faith at Saints Peter and Paul.
In Christ, Keith Anderson, Parish Council President