JOHNSTOWN, PA [Diocesan Chancery] -- In an Archpastoral Letter released today,  November 1, 2018,  His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory has enthusiastically endorsed a new initiative of the National American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Youth Organization, its inaugaral Annual Stewardship Drive, to benefit charitable activities both within and outside of the Diocese. He has called upon all parishes of the Diocese to support this philanthropic endeavor of the National ACRY during the season of the Nativity Fast  (Advent) which will soon begin.  The full text of His Eminence's letter is as follows:

Protocol No. 16/2018

November 1, 2018

Glory Be To Jesus Christ!

Dear Reverend Fathers and Faithful,

As you are aware, throughout the history of our God-Protected Diocese, the National ACRY (American Carpatho-Russian Youth) Organization has been at the forefront of the youth and philanthropic initiatives of the Diocese.

Throughout the years a tremendous amount of financial support has been offered to our youth in the form of collegiate and seminary scholarships, missionary trips, and projects through the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) and OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship). Our Diocesan Mission Fund has also received more than $250,000 over the years. Additionally, Camp Nazareth and Diocesan youth in need have benefited from the Bishop John Camperships and annual support sponsored by the ACRY. Numerous educational pamphlets and books for the benefit of all of our Diocesan faithful have been made possible through the generosity of the ACRY. Presently, the ACRY produces our Diocesan Yearbook /ACRY Annual in partnership with the Diocesan Chancery.

I am proud of the steps the ACRY has taken in recent years to streamline its operating procedures. In addition to providing financial support, the ACRY has also placed an emphasis on providing hands-on opportunities for direct charitable and missionary work. Last year, through their leadership over $50,000.00 in donations were collected. In addition, 1486 health kits and 411 clean-up buckets were assembled by the faithful of our parishes and sent to IOCC for their hurricane relief efforts in Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean. [MOU2] Additionally, at this year’s ACRY Convention, $2,109 was raised and donated to the UNIDOS disaster relief and recovery program for the ongoing relief work in Puerto Rico.

As the Supreme Patron of the ACRY and your Diocesan Hierarch, I am calling upon your parish’s support of the first annual ACRY stewardship campaign. Beginning this Advent Season (that starts November 15^th/28^th), the ACRY will be seeking a single contribution from its chapter members, as well as the parishes and individuals of the Diocese . Your support will help them to continue and expand the many outreach projects and philanthropic works completed in the name of our Diocese. Please see the attached promotional materials for all necessary details and deadlines. As stewardship also includes the offering of one’s time and talents, I urge parishes that do not have an active ACRY Chapter to consider starting or reactivating a chapter.

Working in His Vineyard with much love,

+Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa 

Download  Archpastoral Letter (PDF Format)

Download Promotional Flier - Full Color (PDF Format)

Download Promotional Flier  - Low Color For B&W Bulletin Printing (PDF Format)