The Blessing of Grapes, Apples, and Other Fruits will take place at the end of Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, Wednesday, August 19th. 

The Dormition Fast Began on Friday, August 14th and will end on the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 28th. Fish is permitted only on the Feast of Transfiguration on August 19th and on the Feast of Dormition, as it falls on a Friday this year. Additional rules of the Fast can be found by clicking HERE. The Church also appoints us to read the Small Paraklesis (Supplicatory Canon) to the Theotokos each day during the Fast. The text of that service can be found by clicking HERE. The Dormition Fast, although it’s only two weeks long, gives us a wonderful opportunity to especially honor the Mother of God, who in turn protects us with her unfailing intercessions.

Upcoming Festival Food Prep Sessions - Wednesday, August 19th, after Liturgy (stuffed cabbage prep), Thursday, August 20th, at 10:00 am (stuffed cabbage roll & bake), & Friday, August 21st at 10:00 am (stuffed cabbage bake). Please try to attend as many of the prep sessions as possible.

The Monthly Parish Council Meeting will take place on Sunday, August 23rd, after trapeza. 

A Note About Confessions - Confessions are available during the Canon of the All-Night Vigil, during the reading of the Hours before Divine Liturgy, and at 5:30 pm on Wednesday evenings when an Akathist is scheduled. For the majority of the year there will be at least 3 opportunities per week to go to confession, and since we have to begin the Divine Liturgy on Sundays no later than 10:00 am, I want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity. A lot of people are coming to confession, which is wonderful of course, but I ask you to please be considerate of others so that everyone who is prepared will be able to confess and commune weekly.

The 33rd Annual Orthodox Church Musicians’ Conference will be held from September 30th to October 4th, 2026, at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Des Plaines, IL. The conference will feature lectures, workshops, and rehearsals exploring the cultivation of the ideal choral sound, with special focus on pitch, vocal quality, and the balance of voices. Metropolitan Nicholas has requested that at every parish have at least one representative in attendance. For general information, registration and lodging, please click HERE.  

Rectory Septic System Fund - With the blessing of Bishop Michael a fundraising campaign has been initiated to cover the expense of replacing the 70 year-old septic system at the parish rectory. An inspection determined that the current system in the front yard is no longer serviceable, and since the new system must be installed in the backyard and the plumbing must be rerouted because of the current building codes, the cost of the entire project will now exceed $40,000, and we’re a little under $12,000 short of our original goal. Please consider donating toward this project, and any amount would be greatly appreciated. You can find the page to donate online through our Parish Tithely account by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page, or, if you prefer, you can mail your donation to the church at 364 Canterbury Turnpike, Norwich, CT, 06360, or given it directly to Dick or Laura on Sunday. 

In Christ,

Fr. Stephen

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Our parish rectory is located a few miles from the church property, a beautiful house that was built almost 70 years ago. The septic system is original to the house, and long past its expected lifespan. A recent inspection revealed that the system is in very poor condition and in need of replacement, which has created an unexpected and rather urgent financial burden upon our small parish.

With the blessing of His Grace Michael, Bishop of Boston, we have begun a fundraising campaign through our existing Tithely account in order to offset the cost, which will be in excess of $40,000 due to the work required to bring the system up to code. With humility, we ask that you consider giving toward this project according to your means so that the it can move forward. Donations can be made by using the campaign donation button below, or by mailing it directly to the parish at 364 Canterbury Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360. May the Lord bless you for your compassion and generosity!

In Christ,

Fr. Stephen