About Prostrations

Prostrations, as a reminder of our fallen state and a symbol of our humility in recognition of this fact, are frequent occurrence in our Lenten services. Here is a guide to help you figure out when and how to do it.

Welcome to Olga!

On Sunday, March 10, 2024, Fr. Timothy Hasenecz received Doreen (Olga) Kruk into the Orthodox Church by the Holy Sacrament of Chrismation. Doreen chose her name in honor of St. Olga of Kiev, mother of Prince and Saint Vladimir. Olga was sponsored by Michelle DiBaggio.

Olga received a blessed Icon of her patron saint from the congregation and a cross from Michelle. Afterwards, a light luncheon was held in celebration.

Welcome Olga to Orthodoxy and to your church family of Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church! May God Grant Olga Many Blessed Years!

Saint Mary’s Welcomes New Catechumen

We welcomed a new Catechumen on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Doreen Kruk has been on a long journey discovering and yearning to become an Orthodox Christian. She started her journey at Saint Mary’s at the end of summer. As Father Timothy Hasenecz laid his hands and prayed over Doreen, tears of joy streamed down her face as she has truly accepted the Orthodox Faith. Saint Mary’s welcomes her with a warm heart and prays that God continues to guide her in her journey to Orthodoxy!

Birthright Donation Project

The parish will once again collect donations for Birthright before and during Great Lent. Birthright is an international organization that provides counseling and material help to mothers and their children both during and after pregnancy. The Birthright office we will be donating to is in Frackville, Pennsylvania, so donations will directly help our neighbors.

As Orthodox Christians, we are obliged to defend the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. Shamefully, over 800,000 babies are legally murdered in the womb each year in the United States. We must pray and work to end this crime against God and man, and one of the best means at our disposal is to provide encouragement and care for young mothers facing an unexpected pregnancy. Please give generously.

Blessing of the Waters at Theophany

Due to the snow storm that hit Saint Clair on January 6, our celebration of Theophany was delayed until the following Sunday. As always, Father Tim Hasenecz gave an engaging sermon to an almost completely full church. A wonderful post-Christmas dinner was prepared and served by the Pirogi Ladies to the close-knit faithful of the parish.

Divine Liturgy Canceled for January 7

Due to the anticipated snowstorm, Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 7th is canceled, as Father Tim has a long drive from his home. Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Theophany, including the Blessing of Waters, will still be held at 9AM on Saturday, January 6th, at Holy Ascension parish in Frackville.

Tour of Churches Visits St. Mary’s

On Thursday December 28, 2023, Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church welcomed visitors from a variety of faiths to bear witness to the truth and beauty of Holy Orthodoxy. We were honored to be one of eleven churches participating in the event, organized by the Saint Clair Historical Society to share the fascinating history of the town’s churches, some of whom, like ours, are well over a century old, as well as to share the faith of St. Clair’s Christian community.

Many of the visitors were our neighbors come to see the inside of our recently restored church for the first time, while others came from neighboring counties, some making a drive of over an hour. Well over 60 people were in attendance, attentively listening to presentations on the founding of our parish and the Orthodox Faith, while asking many excellent questions of their own. Several of them, moved by the timeless teaching and beauty of our ancient faith, inquired about attending regular services. We hope to see them – and you – this and every Sunday, and to welcome you as members of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church.

Visitors tour an Orthodox church at Christmastime.

St. Mary’s Celebrates the Nativity of Our Lord

On Sunday evening of December 24th and Monday morning of December 25th, Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church in Saint Clair celebrated the Feast Day of the Natvity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Father Tim Hasenecz and Father Andrew served a beautiful evening Nativity Vigil and Divine Liturgy the following morning. A light snack followed the Divine Liturgy.

Saint Mary’s will also be one of the few churches in Saint Clair to participate in the Saint Clair Tour of Churches on Thursday evening, December 28th.

Blessing of Icons and Altar Covers

On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Father Timothy Hasenecz blessed donated Altar coverings and Altar cloth, Analoy Icons, and Icon Kiosk at Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church in Saint Clair. The outdoor Icon Kiosk has interchangeable Icons of the 12 major feast days. The kiosk also contains pamphlets about Orthodoxy for those who stop by. May God grant all the donors Many Blessed Years!