Families of the New York State (upstate) Deanery, including families from the newly established Holy Apostles Mission in Lansing~Ithaca, got a chance to spend a weekend in fellowship gathered around their bishop and deanery clergy families on 28-30 January. The weekend started out with his Grace, Bishop +MICHAEL, spending two full-packed days at Hope Lake Lodge and Water Park at Greek Peak NY.

Although the kids tried, they couldn’t convince His Grace to go into the water with them amidst a barrage of water-slides, a wave-pool, and powerful water cannons. It was very evident from his infectious smile that Bishop +Michael enjoyed his time watching the kids, talking to them, getting to know them, as well as letting the kids and their parents get to know him.

Sunday morning many of the kids and parents that spent the weekend at Greek Peak packed up their cars and headed for Lansing NY and Holy Apostles Mission to celebrate Divine Liturgy with His Grace. There were over 70 parishioners and guests assembled for the service.

"Bishop +Michael's sermon was truly inspiring," said priest-in-charge, Father Timothy Holowatch, "speaking from his heart, calling us all to be missionaries and liken ourselves to the original Apostles for whom this parish was named. He also blessed a beautiful set of festal icons given to the mission parish by Saint Nicholas Church in Cohoes NY to support the mission."

A joyous time was shared as each member of Holy Apostles Mission warmly greeted Bishop +Michael with sincere appreciation for all that he and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey has done, and is doing, to bring Orthodoxy to this beautiful region of New York State. The faithful broke bread with His Grace and one another in wonderful fellowship. “It was nice to see all the children having such a good time with one another until late into the afternoon. All who wanted to speak with His Grace had bountiful opportunity to do so,” said Father Timothy. Before departing, Bishop +Michael stated that he plans to be seriously involved in supporting the mission through his prayers, his active involvement, and in doing whatever may be needed.

The mission parish will again greet His Grace into their midst during Great Lent, on Friday 15 April at 6:00 p.m. to celebrate the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by a Lenten meal.

Holy Apostles mission parish invites and welcomes everyone to visit the growing spiritual family tucked away amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Finger Lakes.  Information is available on the parish website:

http://www.holyapostlesorthodoxchurch.com/