“Young Adults and Young Adult Ministries in American Orthodox Christian Parishes”

The study “Young Adults and Young Adult Ministries in American Orthodox Christian Parishes” has been released by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. Download the study report here:

·         Executive Summary (pdf)

·         Full Report (pdf)

The subject of young Orthodox Church members was a major topic on the agenda of the recent Annual General Assembly Meeting (October 3-5, Garfield, NJ). This report was prepared in order to help Assembly address our common concern about the engagement of youth and young adults in the lives of American Orthodox parishes. Examples of what the readers will find in the report include:

  • Which programs and activities are most crucial for attracting young adult church members?
  • Why it is important to have a designated young adult leader in a parish?
  • Which aspects of Orthodox worship are especially appealing to young adult church members?
  • How does a parish’s involvement with an Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) affect young adult parishioners and young adult ministries?

Parishes of five Orthodox jurisdictions participated in this study. The report was prepared by Alexei Krindatch, the Assembly’s Research Coordinator.

the “Hawaiian” Myrrh Streaming Iveron Icon to Visit St. Anna Parish, Saturday, December 2

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About the “Hawaiian” Myrrh Streaming Iveron Icon of Christ and the Mother of God
In June of 2008, the “Hawaiian” Myrrh-streaming Iveron Icon was officially recognized by the Russian Orthodox Church as miraculous and worthy of veneration, and was given the blessing to travel to the various churches and monasteries of Holy Orthodoxy.  The original “owner” of the Icon, Subdeacon Nectarios, was charged by the Russian Orthodox Church to be Her guardian, and provide for the safety and care of this Wonderworking Icon of Christ’s Holy Church.

By the Grace of God, the Holy Cross has slowly ceased to continuously stream Myrrh as it once did, now doing so on certain occasions throughout the year, Pascha being the most recent.  What is comforting to the faithful is the Holy Cross still continuously provides a beautiful and pungent fragrance, whether it streams or not.  While the "Hawaiian" Iveron Icon of the Mother of God travels and brings the grace of God to various places, the Holy Cross always remains in Hawaii to provide for the protection and veneration of the faithful.

Since June of 2008, the Iveron Icon has been to over 1000 churches in North America of all (canonical) jurisdictions, and has been venerated by millions of people throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the world.  In many cities, the holy Icon is taken from one parish to another, being venerated by all the Orthodox clergy, and helping to establish and heal relationships amongst the Orthodox faithful, and also strengthening and fostering ties between the sister parishes.  Requests have now been made for the Wonderworking Icon to be brought to Russia, the Ukraine, Greece, Cyprus, South America, Europe, the Holy Land, Romania, Mount Athos, and Serbia.  When the Holy Icon was taken to the Republic of Georgia in 2014 at the request of the Catholicos-Patriarch ILIA II of Georgia, over a million faithful came to venerate the "Panagia of Hawaii."  A number of miracles, including the healing of cancer, were reported to the Georgian Patriarchate.

Numerous miracles have been attributed to the Theotokos through this “humble little Icon”, accounts are only just being collected, and are indeed numerous.   Physical and spiritual healings have included the healing of blindness and eye disease, cancer, demonic possession, paralysis, kidney disease, chronic pain, and debilitating viruses.  

Yet, wherever the holy Icon goes, the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother abound.  People have commented that just being in the presence of this Icon, you feel such an abundance of love and joy.  It is truly indescribable.  We are so very blessed that God has shown His love toward us by allowing us a small forebearance of what the saints call, "the true odour of sanctity."  The true meaning of the Icon's appearance is known only to God, time will reveal all things.  Yet, what we do know is this, God loves us.  And that is all that matters...

Toys for the Troop Kids

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Toys for the Troops’ Kids, a non-profit charitable organization, provides Christmas toys to the children of American military members by public donations of toys and monetary contributions. It may also undertake projects in addition to its annual toy drive for the benefit of America’s military and their families.

This year, St. Anna’s middle-school, high-school, and college students are excited to support this organization by volunteering at the Citrus Town Center donation site December 16,, from 10am – 6pm and December17, from 2pm – 6pm.

If you would like to donate a new, unwrapped toy, please visit us at the Citrus Town Center located on the northeast corner of Greenback Lane and Sunrise Blvd between Sprouts and Panera Bread (across from the Sunrise Mall).

For your convenience, Goya will also have a collection box located in the Narthex after liturgy November 26, December 3, and December 10. Please look for the Toys for the Troops Kids poster attached to the collection box.

If you would like to volunteer your time at the Citrus Town Center Collection site, many slots are still available. Please visit: http://signup.com/go/eRVrxUQ