PERTH AMBOY, NJ --   His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa  has begun a series of archpastoral visits in the New York and New Jersey region this weekend,  beginning with St. John the Baptist Parish in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

In the afternoon of Saturday, March 23, 2013, Bishop Gregory met with the youth of the New Jersey Deanery at St. John The Baptist Parish Center in Perth Amboy, NJ.   The afternoon gathering included a powerpoint presentation, led by Rachel Delcher of St. John's Parish about the Summer Camping Program at Camp Nazareth, to familiarize His Grace with what to expect during the New York, NJ and New England Deanery camping week.

Bishop Gregory then engaged the youth in an open forum discussion, patiently fielding questions from even the youngest of the 50 youth in attendance.  Following a pasta supper, His Grace presided over Vespers, which was celebrated by Fr. Michael Rosco, the host pastor and Protodeacon Gregory Benc.  At the end of the Vespers Service, Bishop Gregory offered a few brief words of spiritual encouragement to the youth in attendance who then departed to  their homes to quietly prepare for the next day's Divine Liturgy.

Sunday morning saw a large group of parish faithful in attendance for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Grace Bishop Gregory.  At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a procession with icons took place with the His Grace, the concelebrating clergy and the  parish youth. A delicious lenten brunch followed in the parish center. 

The day ended in a most glorious manner, with the celebration of Pan-Orthodox Vespers for the Triumph of Orthodoxy at which more than 25 clergy and 450 faithful were in attendance.  His Grace, Bishop Gregory presided over the Vespers and preached a very inspiring homily.   

View Complete Photo Gallery of the Weekend Visitation to Perth Amboy Here  

His Grace's visitations continue with the celebration of the Vesperal Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom for the Feast of Annunciation (New Style)  this evening at St. Gregory of Nyssa Church in Seaford, NY.