News & Events
Forgiveness Vespers
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Following Divine Liturgy and Coffee Hour on Sunday on March 2, the faithful of St. John's celebrated Forgiveness Vespers. At the end of the service all the faithful approach the priest and one another asking for mutual forgiveness. Over 100 people were in attendance! Please read this reflection on the Forgiveness. [Click Here]
Teen SOYO Church Cleaning
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Every year we are blessed by the Teen SOYO’s generosity as they clean the church for Clean Week! On Saturday, March 1, the teens gathered at the church to tackle the extensive deep cleaning of the sanctuary, narthex, and other areas.
The teens took this opportunity to discuss fasting, renewal, and repentance. We start our fasting from meat and dairy and we renew ourselves by attending more church services during the first week. During this time, we start to repent and change our behaviors and attitudes to turn towards Christ.
All of these things are a cleaning of our souls. What better way to meditate on these ideas than to clean the church as it is a temple of God?
The teens wiped down all wooden icons, cleaned the Bishop’s Throne, reached high up to clean the cobwebs from the ceiling and vents, and wiped down the Baptismal Font and windows. They also vacuumed the Iconostasis and choir area, mopped the nave floor, and more!
We ended by reflecting on 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 “Do you now know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" and enjoyed some pizza before attending vespers.
Thank you teens for taking such great care of our church!
The teens took this opportunity to discuss fasting, renewal, and repentance. We start our fasting from meat and dairy and we renew ourselves by attending more church services during the first week. During this time, we start to repent and change our behaviors and attitudes to turn towards Christ.
All of these things are a cleaning of our souls. What better way to meditate on these ideas than to clean the church as it is a temple of God?
The teens wiped down all wooden icons, cleaned the Bishop’s Throne, reached high up to clean the cobwebs from the ceiling and vents, and wiped down the Baptismal Font and windows. They also vacuumed the Iconostasis and choir area, mopped the nave floor, and more!
We ended by reflecting on 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 “Do you now know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" and enjoyed some pizza before attending vespers.
Thank you teens for taking such great care of our church!
Family Fun Night
Friday, February 14, 2025
On Valentine’s Day, the families of St. Johns gathered for a Family Fun Night! This annual tradition is an evening of games, food, and family time to brighten the winter and come together for fellowship before Lent begins.
Everyone enjoyed trivia and other games, fantastic food brought as a potluck, and more. Huge thank you to Kh. Pam for organizing this fun evening!
Everyone enjoyed trivia and other games, fantastic food brought as a potluck, and more. Huge thank you to Kh. Pam for organizing this fun evening!
Ladies Tea
Saturday, January 18, 2025
The ladies of St. John Chrysostom gathered on Saturday, January 18 for their annual winter retreat! Finding inspiration in the quote from Saint Sophrony Sakharov who encourages us to “draw back a little, and have a cup of tea”, the ladies hosted an afternoon tea. We were honored to have Fr. Ed Hughes as our retreat leader who spoke to us about Hieromonk Seraphim, St. Sophrony, and their guidance regarding God’s control of our lives.
Fr. Ed shared stories from his own ministry as a parish priest, and walked us through St. Seraphim’s spiritual testament titled “That Was From Me.” This beautiful document expresses time and again how God provides all for us–even the things we may think are bad are given to us as gifts to help us strengthen our faith and belief in God’s power.
Thank you to Fr. Ed as well as all the ladies who attended and helped provide food and tea for a wonderful and spiritually enriching afternoon.
Fr. Ed shared stories from his own ministry as a parish priest, and walked us through St. Seraphim’s spiritual testament titled “That Was From Me.” This beautiful document expresses time and again how God provides all for us–even the things we may think are bad are given to us as gifts to help us strengthen our faith and belief in God’s power.
Thank you to Fr. Ed as well as all the ladies who attended and helped provide food and tea for a wonderful and spiritually enriching afternoon.
Mini Oratorical Workshop
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Saturday, January 11 was St. John Chrysostom’s 2nd annual mini-oratorical workshop! Our teens gathered with peers at St. Philips in Souderton, PA to participate in an afternoon of fellowship, workshop, and oratorical practice.
The group of teens was introduced to the Oratorical Festival that takes place every year at the PLC with a brief overview. V.Rev. Noah Bushelli led the introduction, followed by words from the previous year’s Oratorical winner, then attendees took part in two sessions. The first session was about research and the anatomy of an oratorical presentation: developing an introduction, body, and conclusion. The second session was all about presentation, from pacing and speaking volume, to confidence, gestures, and tips on how to avoid mumbling.
Students had the opportunity to practice their presentation skills while reading an epistle and received feedback from their peers. They were also given the chance to deliver a mini-oratorical and hear constructive feedback from other participants as well as the instructor, Cynthia Long from St. George Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, PA.
We are excited to see what this year’s participants bring to the 2025 PLC!
The group of teens was introduced to the Oratorical Festival that takes place every year at the PLC with a brief overview. V.Rev. Noah Bushelli led the introduction, followed by words from the previous year’s Oratorical winner, then attendees took part in two sessions. The first session was about research and the anatomy of an oratorical presentation: developing an introduction, body, and conclusion. The second session was all about presentation, from pacing and speaking volume, to confidence, gestures, and tips on how to avoid mumbling.
Students had the opportunity to practice their presentation skills while reading an epistle and received feedback from their peers. They were also given the chance to deliver a mini-oratorical and hear constructive feedback from other participants as well as the instructor, Cynthia Long from St. George Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, PA.
We are excited to see what this year’s participants bring to the 2025 PLC!