Founded in 1973
The Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross was founded in 1973 with the conviction
that Orthodoxy was a gift that did not require the acquisition of certain
language skills or the love of any particular ethnic cuisine or culture. All
these could and indeed would be celebrated in their own time and way but they
would not be the central organizing principles. In taking the name of the Holy
Cross the parish leaders sought to bring together under this universal Christian
"symbol" the deepest yearnings of all people to "know God and Jesus Christ whom
He has sent." (John 17:3)
The first concrete step came with a letter written by Alexander Leon and Dennis Siry on May 9, 1973 asking the late Metropolitan Ireney for permission to start
an Orthodox Church in southern New Jersey. After a number of organizational
meetings and the participation of the dean, Fr John Nehrebecki, the first Divine
Liturgy was celebrated on September 16, 1973, at a school in Cherry Hill.
Church Founders, The Leons and the Sirys
Our First Parish Priest
Shortly after that, Fr Anthony Pluth was ordained to the Priesthood and assigned
as pastor, a position he held until 1986. From 1975 until 1984, when it
purchased its present facility, the community utilized space within the hall of
a local Roman Catholic Church.
Our Diverse Congregation
The parish membership of approximately 100 adults is represented by many
different backgrounds: Arabic, Carpatho-Russian, Greek, Russian, Serbian, and
Ukrainian, as well as many converts to the Orthodox Faith. As such, it
draws people from nearly an hour radius of its location in southern New
Jersey (outside of Philadelphia)
An Early Parish Council |
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A Vibrant and Active Community
Over the years many creative and supportive people have given of their talents
and resources. Of particular importance has been the work and generosity of its
women's organization, St Helena's Guild.
A Parish Dinner
Alexander Leon has added greatly to the
aesthetical beauty of the community's worship with his craftsmanship in
designing and carving the altar, iconostas, center table, processional cross,
and icon stands. The parish has also been blessed with one of its own sons,
Alexander Gerken, attending St Vladimir's Seminary, becoming an Orthodox
Monastic, and being ordained to the Priesthood. Fr Sergius (as he is now known)
has served, among other places, as the pastor of Three Saints Church in Old
Harbor, Alaska, and presently at Holy Resurrection Church, Berlin, New
Hampshire.
The parish's most significant annual fundraising project is a Fall Festival
(Held in September) that incorporates the sale of ethnic foods, imported and
craft items, with a variety of musical and dance performers.
Church school classes and adult education take place on Sunday morning before
the Divine Liturgy. Other educational opportunities -- guest speakers and
presentations -- are offered during the year, as well as a summer church school
program. The parish prepares monthly meals for a local soup kitchen and donates
to other local and national church causes as the need arises.
A Parish of
Continuing Growth
In 1986, Fr John Shimchick was assigned as the church's pastor. Since that time
the parish has continued to grow and be challenged by the gift of the Orthodox
Faith. It has sought to develop ways, both educational and social, that allow
for this Faith to shape its own community life and to be shared with the greater
community.
Fr. John, New Parish Priest in
1986
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