The Orthodox Youth Mission team was in Johnson City, TN from July 7-15, 2012 to participate in the Appalachian Service Project. The team was lead by Father Luke Mihaly of Holy Trinity in Danbury, CT along with 4 other adult leaders. The team consisted of 11 teens from the parishes of Holy Trinity Danbury, CT, St. John's Mill Hill Avenue, Bridgeport, CT, Holy Trinity Yonkers, NY, St. Barbara's Orange, CT and St. Alexis in Clinton, CT.

The first project was installing vinyl siding, reframing an outside wall, and creating a drainage ditch for an elderly woman who lives alone. The second project was installing a new outside wall, including framing, insulating, sheathing and siding for an elderly couple. The third project was flooring, replacing a bathroom, and repairing a roof leak for a Korean War veteran who also lives alone.

In addition to the construction work, the team participated in many social, cultural, and devotional activities with two other church groups at the center. After a long week of hard work, the team was rewarded with a visit to Hershey Park. On the way home, they also attended Divine Liturgy and received a very warm welcome at Church of the Holy Ascension in Frackville, PA and visited the Holy Protection Monastery in White Haven, PA.

If you are interested in joining this Orthodox Youth Mission Team, creating your own team, or have any questions regarding this service opportunity, please contact team leader Susan Sulich at ssulich@yahoo.com or Father Luke Mihaly at padreluke@aol.com. More information on The Appalachian Service Project (ASP) is available at www.asphome.org.