Diocesan Photo Gallery

Photo Galleries of the Various Institutions and Ministries of the Diocese

Diocesan Altarboy Retreat

The annual Altarboys Retreat took place at Christ the Saviour Seminary and Cathedral in Johnstown, PA. This year there were participants. The retreat participants were given an opportunity to learn more about the priestly vocation and seminary. The posted photos show scenes from the well-balanced program of prayer, instruction and fellowship. This year's retreatmaster is the Very Rev. Protopresbyter David Smoley, Pastor of Sts Peter and Paul Church in Windber, PA. He was assisted by The Very Protopresbyter John Fedornock, the Very Rev. Fathers, David Cochran, Luke Mihaly, Peter Paproski and Michael Zak, the Rev. Fathers,Stephen Loposky and Miles Zdinak
Fr. David Smoley, director of the Diocesan Altarboy Retreats for the past 11 years, welcomes the altarboys to Johnstown upon their arrival on Sunday evening.
Fr. Michael Miklos speaks to the altarboys Sunday evening after leading them in the recitation of evening prayers about the need to be able to understand the faith and defend it.
Fr. Stephen Loposky leads the altarboys in prayer at the Seminary Cross Shrine on Monday Morning.
The pool at the Windber Recreational Center is always a popular attraction. Thanks to the gracious hospitality of the faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Church, the altarboys spent Monday afternoon playing baseball, basket ball, horseshoes and enjoying the playground on the expansive church complex.
The playground at Sts. Peter and Paul Church was a popular attraction.
Board of Trustee Member "Big Bill" Oldham, along with the men and women of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, prepared lunch and an old-fashioned barbeque supper for the diocesan altarboys who had worked up a man size appetite!
Very Rev. Fr. R. Michael Zak led the altarboys in praying the office of preparation for Holy Confession on Monday evening at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Windber, PA. During his homily, Fr. Michael reminded those present about the mercy, compassion and love of God. He encouraged them to never be ashamed or afraid to confess openly and honestly, knowing that their Father Confessor is there to offer forgiveness and healing, not judgement or criticism.
Tuesday morning the diocesan altarboys processed from the Seminary to Christ The Saviour Cathedral, prior to Divine Liturgy.
Metropolitan Nicholas spoke to the assembled altarboys about the glory of the Holy Priesthood.
Fr. Michael Ellis, Administrator of Camp Nazareth, delivered the homily at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Celebrated by His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas and the cathedral and guest clergy.
"Receive the Body of Christ, Taste the Fountain of Immortality..."
The Staff and Participants of Encounter 2005
Tuesday afternoon was spent exploring underground caves at Lincoln Caverns in Huntingdon, PA
Following the excursion to Lincoln Caverns, the altarboys were the guests of the faithful of Epiphany of Our Lord Church in Huntingdon,PA. The boys were treated to a delicious spaghetti supper. Following supper, they sang the responses to the Moleben to St. Nectarios which was served on the beautiful church grounds.
Altar Server Bill George, of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Rockaway, PA, was selected as Altar Server of the Year, for his faithful service and pious example.