Saint George's Russian Orthodox Church
Freewood Acres, NJ

Protopriest Phillip Petrovsky said "As I entered the church and saw the newly-painted walls and clean church I thought to myself--God Has Truly Risen!"

On 6 May, 2003, a joyous service was held to honor Saint George for the first time in two years. After the death of Very Memorable Father Stefan Trubiloff, services ceased inside the church, bringing it into a state of great disrepair. Talks have been conducted between the Synod of Bishops and the Kuban Cossack Association for the latter to assume the responsibility of repairing and maintaining the church. This year it was decided to jump-start this process by cleaning and bringing the church in working order, so that services on Saint George's Day may be held within its holy walls.

At 9:30 a.m., while God held back the rain, divine liturgy commenced with the presence of Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov, Protopriest Phillip Petrovsky, Priest Serge Lukianov, Priest Leonid Goferman, Protodeacon Eugene Burbelo, Subdeacon Alexander Lukianov and several altar boys. The talented young Reader Nektari Lukianov conducted a choir from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, adding a harmonious symphony of prayers.

Many people noted that though this very small church was quite full, it remained very prayerful. Also noted was that with the weather forecast promising showers and the holiday falling on a work day, an estimate 70 souls still came to celebrate this joyous occasion.

After liturgy, Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov gave a wonderful sermon on the life of Saint George in which he underlined his martyrdom and how he passed this down to our generation, so that we may follow in his steps. Immediately after the sermon a procession was held around the church under the sounds of bell ringing and a reading from the Gospel.

Finally, a luncheon was held at the Kuban Cossack Museum, adjacent to the church. During the lunch, Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov thanked the people who contributed their efforts to restore the interior of the church in time for the holiday. Ataman Alexander Pewnew added a few words, requesting the finalization of the agreement so that the church may be restored completely and once again resume its spiritual life.

Glory to God Almighty!

Peter Okopny (Kuban Cossack)