On Saturday, October 16, Archbishop Michael presided at the Consecration of the Altar Table and Church Building at the Orthodox Christian Church of the Annunciation in Brick, New Jersey. Nine priests served, including former Rectors, the Very Rev. Joseph Wargo (1974-76), and the Very Rev. David Vernak (1976-2003), and the current Rector, the Very Rev. Gary Joseph Breton (2003-present). The parish also celebrated its 50-year Anniversary that weekend. A celebratory banquet was held in the parish hall, the structure which now sits upon the site of the converted two-car garage that originally served as the church building.

During the weekend, Archbishop Michael presented to Father Alexander Smida the priestly award of the Nabedrennik. Synodal gramotas recognizing the parish’s anniversary and the consecration of the church were presented by Archbishop Michael to Father Gary and to the Parish Council President, Matthew Petrides. Father Gary also received a Synodal gramota in recognition of his 30 years of priestly ministry. Reader Matthew Hascha was presented a Diocesan gramota for his service as parish Choir Director; his parents Richard and Gail also received a Diocesan gramota in recognition of their service to the parish. The Haschas have recently relocated to upstate New York.

The parish faithful expresses their thanks to God and to the founders of the parish.