The 80th Anniversary Celebration

of the Holy Dormition Orthodox Church in Benld, Illinois (April 1987)

Holy Dormition Celebrating 80th Anniversary

This Sunday, April 26, is the official day of the 80th anniversary of the Holy Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Parish. March 3, 1907 was the actual date that the parish was established by Russian and Slavic people who came to work in the mines. Father Michael Pazdry was the first pastor, serving from 1907 to 1909. Current pastor, Father Paul Waters, has been serving the parish since 1984.

The Most Reverend Clement, Patriarchal Vicar Bishop of His Holiness Pimen, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, will arrive on Saturday, April 25 to participate in the celebrations.

That Saturday evening, before Grand [Great] Vespers, Bishop Clement will bless the new Proskomedia Altar, given in memory of Michael Makuh, our former choir director, by his brother, Stephen Makuh.

Sunday at 9:30 am the Hierarchial Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Bishop Clement with Archpriest John Sviridov and Father Paul Waters concelebrating. The Bishop will be greeted by Mr. Michael Wasylenko, Council president, with the traditional loaf of round bread and salt. Ann Muich will then present the Bishop with a bouquet of flowers. Father Paul will then welcome the Bishop and give him the Altar Hand Cross to kiss. Following the vesting of His Excellency, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will begin.

At 4 pm that afternoon the Anniversary Banquet will be held at the Holy Dormition Parish Hall on Central Avenue in Benld. At 4:30 pm the entrance of His Excellency Bishop Clement and honored guests will begin. Also in attendance will be the Rt. Rev. Archpriest Father John Sviridov of Detroit, MI; the Very Rev. Archpriest Paul Sawchak of St. Louis, MO; the Rev. Father Thomas Saccarotte of Madison, IL; the Rev. Father Anthony Tzortizs of Springfield, IL; The Rev. Father George Zervos of Belleville, IL; the Rev. Father Zvonimir Damjanov of Gillespie; the Rev. Father Ralph Guido of Benld; the Rev. Arthur Hurry of Benld; the Rev. Father Richard Paynic of Gillespie; the Honorable Vince Demuzio and Benld Mayor Donald Gibson. Mr. Vladimir "Walt" Chulick will be the Program Toastmaster for the Anniversary Program.

A prime rib dinner is being catered by the Ariston Restaurant. We invite everyone to attend and celebrate with us on this joyous occasion. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are only $7 per adult. For reservations, please call 835-2202 before 8 pm Thursday, April 23.

 

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