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THE EOCA OF MAHONING VALLEY - WHAT WE DO
#1. (A witness to our valley) The Youngstown Vindicator's religious page shows others the faith, hope, and love, we have for our religious customs and traditions. We have placed Paschal Billboards in the hope of showing the "Greater Valley" our joy in the Risen Christ. We have also sponsored the ETC Orthodox Programming on Thursday Evenings 8:00- 9:30 Pm. #2. (Our web site) Check us out. This is how we inform those who want to know what is current in the valley. #3. ( Prison ministry) We have given books on Orthodoxy to the prison library. We gave Icon Cards, Bibles and Prayer Books, to those in prison. #4. (We try to solve problems) If a Priest is out of town, or is unable to attend a sick call,or a religious service due to illness, or vacation,(with his blessing), we may be able to find an Orthodox Priest who can help out by networking other Orthodox Clergy. #5 ( Ecumenical Witness) Some of our Clergy are members of the Society of St. John Chrysostom, Yo.- Warren Chapter. We are a witness to our faith. We post their events and when asked to speak to them about our faith, we do.
#6. (We support OCMC) For the past few years we have donated over $1200.00 Each Year."That's over $100.00 per month " just by putting coin canisters throughout our Valley. When it comes to other SCOBA projects, we help them as well. #7. (Charity) We do good will on an annual basis by giving to the Salvation Army and the Rescue Mission. When a local Parish Priest asks for help, be it for food, medical costs, utilities, ect. for a member of his parish, we have been able to contribute aid in most cases. #8. (EMOS & EOWS) They have helped us through the years by encouraging us to promote Orthodoxy in our culture, faith, and educational programs. We have a clergyman at all their events. #9. (St. Basil Workers) We aid and support this organization in their works of charity to the sick and shut- ins in the valley. We have a clergyman at their meetings and events. We happily give $150.00 to each of their "XMAS" & "EASTER"-fund drives every year. #10. (Holy Trinity Orthodox Christian Academy & Pre-School ) We promote and support activities to raise awareness & funds for the education of our very young.We have committed $500.00 per-year-every year. In addition, for the 2009 & 2010 school year, we raised another $2010.00 + for the school .
#11. (Youth Ministry) Sts. Peter and Paul UOC has a LOCK-IN for teens. We hope that these activities keep the faith relevant to our young people. Teens are not self starters so clergy need to be the starters if this is going to really take off. We also have a youth page on our web site for parents and high school students. #12. (OCF at YSU) This has become a reality on paper. Our mission to the Orthodox Students at YSU has been very challening, yet we continue to shoulder the responsibility and work through the roadblocks before us. #13. (We serve you) If you want an Orthodox Cemetery, the Ukrainian Church has an excellent facility for all Orthodox Church Members. If you're interested, check into it.
#14. ( We Pray Together) The faithful of our valley come together for the Sunday of Orthodoxy Service. This past year we have handed out Icon Bookmarkers as a way of saying Thank You. We also served The Blessing of the Waters, at Mill Creek Park, on January 6th, and Sunday Vespers during Great Lent at area Churches in the Valley.
There is so little we can do alone without the prayers and support of the faithful we serve. We have for many years, asked for money to aid us in our Christian Mission. We, the EOCA of Mahoning Valley, want to Thank You for your past support. We are able to do more good deeds for our valley churches these past few years. Now that the Economy and Wall Street had shaken-up the world, we still stand tall in our faith in Jesus Christ and His Holy Church. This is not the time to give up on our Faith, Hope, and Love for all the things of God. If we work together, as a Christian family in this valley, greater things could come to pass in the years to come.
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