Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors Program Dinner

February 19, 2012

The Good News at Holy Apostles

Mission

Introduction to the ParishHaving seen a need for distant Orthodox

Christians in the Finger Lakes region of New York, the Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission was established in August of 2010 by its mother parish of Ss Peter and Paul Church of Endicott, NY. 

History of LansingLansing, located on the Eastern shore of

Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes district of New York, is known best as a small town close to Ithaca, New York. Lansing was within the realm of the Cayuga tribe.

Early 20th Century – salt mines are founded in the area and import Syrian (Lebanese) and Slavic workers.

Member of Many Communities

Finger Lakes: Fast growing tourist, college and live-in community

Tompkins County: College communities, farm communities

Lansing: far flung, yet closely related citizens

Syrian Hill: Old Lebanese community, now mostly scattered

Russian Hill: Where the mission is locatedOther religious influences: Roman Catholic

and Methodist neighbors. Early Mormon area.

Demographics of the MissionMany ethnicities represented

LebaneseCarpatho-RussianRomanianGreekAnglo-Italians

Equal parts converts and cradle Orthodox Several inquirers with varying levels of

interestCollege students

Demographics of Ithaca and Tompkins County

10,521 Residents in Lansing84.09% White, 4.09% Black8.86% Asian

30% of town are children under 18 years oldMedian income for a family is $59,7586.7% live below the poverty line

Relationship to EndicottSs Peter and Paul Church in Endicott is our

Mother Parish.Provided clergy for the first yearMaterial and financial supportContinuing support and mentoring

Pastoral Care at the MissionFr Timothy Holowatch was the priest-in-

charge for the first year the mission was open

Clergy from Endicott also helped serve the Divine Services

College sweethearts, Married since 1999

3 Children: Shiloh (12), Caleb (10) and Elijah (6)

Henry. He is bitey.

The Worthington Family

Our Worship SpaceWe utilize an unused Roman Catholic

church

Liturgical SuppliesWe have been very blessed by our sister

parishes in the diocese with many of the liturgical items needed for a properly run church.

Much of it is borrowed and worn.

All Saints and our Relationship with them3-5 year rental possibilityGreat neighbors!Social Hall use for special functions

The Divine ServicesDivine Liturgy served every

Sunday at 9 AM, followed by Church School and Fellowship Hour

Great Vespers is served every week

Holy Days are observedMorning prayers are offered

every daySpecial Services: Thanksgiving,

Theophany

Water blessingWe blessed Cayuga Lake – our gift back to

the community

Parish EducationEducation is central to our Orthodox faith.

We offer several options, so farBook ClubsPublic lectures to come!

Church School7 students, with as many as 10 in

attendance Learning about the faith through ScriptureOccasional social outingsFirst Nativity play was held last year

OCF/CURWWe have the opportunity to work with the Cornell University Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)

Cornell United Religious Workers

The future: Ithaca College

Plans for the FutureExcitement lead to the Ideas WallFuture Building plans

BuildingRectory

Distant Future: Coffee Shop and unique community outreach

Thank You!Your generosity makes it possible for the work

of the Church to continue in Lansing, NY!

2 Corinthians 9:7Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.