Holy Spirit Church in Wantage NJ celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its founding on Saturday, 1 June 2013. A Grand Banquet at the Lafayette House followed the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Many faithful from parishes in the New Jersey Deanery, and beyond, came to the celebration. Remarks were offered by Father George Hasenecz, Father John Nehrebecki, Father Joseph Lickwar, Father Samuel Kedala (parish rector), and Bishop Michael. A superb meal was served and many wonderful memories were exchanged.

His Grace was joined by nine priests in the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy commemorating the special day:  Archpriest Joseph Lickwar (Chancellor, Diocese of New York and New Jersey & Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Jersey City NJ);  Igumen Joseph (Rector, Holy Transfiguration Church, Pearl River NY);  Archpriest John Nehrebecki (former Dean of the NJ Deanery & pastor emeritus of Christ the Saviour Church, Paramus NJ);  Archpriest George Hasenecz (retired rector of Holy Trinity Church, Randolph NJ & founder of Holy Spirit Church);  Archpriest Joseph Chupeck (retired rector of Saint John the Baptist Church, Alpha NJ & attached to Holy Spirit Church);  Archpriest Alexey Karlgut (Dean, New York State Deanery & Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Church, Endicott NY);  Archpriest David Vernak (Rector, Christ the Saviour Church, Paramus NJ);  Archpriest Stephen Evanina (Rector, Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church, Clifton NJ);  and Archpriest Samuel Kedala (Rector, Holy Spirit Church & Dean of the New Jersey Deanery).

Deacon Matthew Brown served along with Sub-Deacons: Mark Federoff, Nilus Klingel, and Ilya Arnopolskiy. Five altar servers from Holy Spirit Church also assisted. The Holy Spirit Church choir sang the responses beautifully under the direction of Timothy Kachur (Choir Director and Parish Council Senior Warden).

“We thank God,” said Father Kedala, “for allowing us to build His Church in Wantage, New Jersey and we ask His blessings to continue as we labor in His Vineyard.”