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Services

Check Church Calendar for calendar updates

Great Lent and Holy Week Schedule.

Please view the full schedule by following the link below

This year, Pascha is on Sunday, April 12

Memory Lane

At our Church’s 40^th anniversary in 1997 we created a time capsule to be opened in 2006. At our 50^th anniversary, we added to the time capsule with plans to open it again 10 years, in 2017. It was safely secured in our drop ceiling and then… well, 2017 came and went. And it wasn’t until our hall renovation project that the time capsule was rediscovered! On February 22 we opened the time capsule. Despite the fact that fully half of the people at its opening had put something in in 2007, no one remembered what. Was it a newspaper from the time? The hot toy from that year? The number one selling CD?



It was far more meaningful than that. It was notes from parishioners asking to share recollections and memories and hopes for our parish for the next 10 years. People crowded around the stage to read the notes: some from cherished parishioners now deceased; some from kids – who are themselves now parents – talking about fun hijinks with church pals; some from people reading their own note so happy to know that their wish for their children’s children to be here came true. Almost every note from the adults reflected on our beautiful church community and prayers for its continuance.  

It was a beautiful and moving celebration of our long-standing and ongoing commitment to our church family and community.

It's Showtime! Tricky Tray March 6

Friday, March 6 is the The Luck of St. Anthony Tricky Tray! The baskets are built, the tickets are sold - now it's time to decorate the hall, get everything in place, line up all the volunteers and and open the doors!

And one more thing: We are hoping to have a fabulous dessert table with homemade goodies. If you would be willing to bring something you baked (or it could it store-bought - we won't tell) please contact Christeen Scarpa.

In mid-February we learned we were voted a top Tricky Tray in NJ (out of hundreds!) for the second year in a row. Now we are looking for a three-peat!

If you haven't already volunteered for event, please see Pam Scarpa. Thank you for your generosity and for helping make this event a success!

Women's Guild News

In celebration of International Women's Month, members of the Women's Guild will read the Epistle and serve as ushers during the month of March.

Women's Guild will be hosting the coffee hour on Sunday, March 8. This is a celebration to honor of all the women in our parish for all that you do for our church family.  A Memorial Service will also be offered on this day in remembrance of the departed women of our parish. 

All are welcome to Book Night on Friday, March 13 at the home of Betty Gakos. We will discuss the book entitled "The View from Lake Como" by Adriana Trigiani. "The View from Lake Como" is a compelling exploration of love, family, and the courage to pursue one's dreams, set against the backdrop of two contrasting yet beautiful locations - Italy and New Jersey.

We will kickoff our philanthropic Lenten Project on Sunday, March 15 during coffee hour. Once again we will purchase baby items requested by New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center in Westwood and we welcome and appreciate the participation of the whole parish.

Beyond our parish, our women are invited to St. George's Lenten retreat on Saturday, March 14 and the Antiochian Women of the East (AWE) Lenten retreat at the Antiochian Village Conference Center, March 27-29. If you are interested in attending either of these events, please see Women's Guild President Jackie Koskinas for more information.

Renovation of the Church Library to be Celebrated on March 22

A message from Sub Deacon Nicholas Nagorny, Church Librarian 

Special thanks to Brian Scarpa and his team for the renovation and upgrading the appearance of our Church Library. It took what had become a catch-all room where people dropped things off to a serene place to study. Very few parishes have a library; we are fortunate to have over 1,000 books on scripture, church art, the lives of saints, and the teaching of the orthodox faith, all available to borrow on the honor system.

Please come downstairs on March 22 to acquaint yourself with this valuable resource.  We will have a special gift for families with children under 12, an introductory guide for new members and, while supplies last, a bible to take home.

Pascha Flowers

If you would like to contribute to the beautiful palms for Palm Sunday, and the flowers that adorn our altar on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter, please see Lisa Fares or Helen Chimel or use this convenient Parish Soft Link or QR code. The greatest Feast deserves the greatest adornment, and we are looking forward to a beautiful Pascha, the Feast of Feasts! 

IOCC Fundraiser on April 25

St. Anthony will be hosting this year’s IOCC Fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7pm, following Vespers at 5pm. Our parish community, your friends, and any who wish to enjoy a tasting of a variety of wines and beer, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and live music are invited to attend. Updates about IOCC’s global humanitarian missions will be provided. This is the 17th year where churches across North Jersey come together to raise funds for the International Orthodox Christian Charities. The IOCC works in cooperation with the Orthodox Church and other partners to serve people in need, in the spirit of Christ’s love. Please contact Nike Bach if you would like to help with this event. To buy tickets or donate, please visit iocc.org/northjersey.

Yard Sale May 1-2

You've read Marie Kondo. You've at least heard of "Swedish death cleaning." Or maybe you want to pair down your excesses as part of your Lenten journey. What are you waiting for? The Yard Sale on May 1-2 is the motivation to get cracking on your new, stress-free minimalist lifestyle!

The Yard Sale is the perfect place to recycle/reuse. You clear out your house; you don't fill landfills; other people get great buys and the Church makes money! Start boxes in your basement now, and as you come across things you don't need, load them up by theme.

As an idea-sparker of what to donate, these items are always welcome. (It goes without saying they should be gently used, clean and in working condition, right?)

Each of us clearing out equals a department store of items for shoppers! Start saving and sorting now, and bring it all to Church on Sunday, April 26 during Coffee Hour. Volunteers are needed for the entire week, for setup and selling. Please see Valerie Joseph or Debbie Nagorny to volunteer.

Download Flyer

Year-Round Fundraisers

Food and flowers never go out of style and are always available for ordering. Easy for you; fundraiser for St. Anthony's.

But with holidays approaching, they are more in demand then ever - the extra dish on your Easter table or the perfect centerpiece!

Floral Arrangement Fundraiser

You can get all of your floral arrangements (name day, birthday, anniversary, etc.) throughout the year while supporting the church. To order, call Hanneh Kalyoussef (201-693-2968) or email Karen Canellos.

A Taste of St. Anthony's offers frozen favorites representing the parish’s rich Pan-Orthodox culture, showcasing traditional favorites from across our diverse community. Specialties are made to order and sell out quickly, so be sure to place your requests early. The food will be sold throughout the year by our team of specialty chefs. 

Visit our site for what's available now and visit often as the menu will change. If you have questions, please contact Pam Scarpa.

Parish Council Update

Our Parish Council is made up of individuals that the parish elects at the annual meeting (with terms ranging from 1-3 years and term limits in place) and the heads of various organizations. The Parish Council meets monthly to hear from committees and to go over matters that may need discussion/approval/to be voted on.   

Chair: Michael McMinn

Vice Chair: Isaiah Vallejo-Juste

Treasurer: Ed Assile

Recording Secretary: Marissa Bogris Eoanou

Corresponding Secretary: Daria Incorvaia

To keep everyone aware of what happens at these meetings, each month we will publish highlights from the meetings that are not already covered in other areas of the Desert News. 

Highlights of 1/28/26 Meeting

The House and Grounds Committee reports the following projects have been completed:

- Ice Machine (bar)

- Bar Area Electrical wiring

- Floor Maintenance

- Narthex Electrical box, no wood damage behind and was resealed

- Updated bulbs to LED

- Security updates to storage room with electronic door lock, unique codes

- Phase 2 of the Hall Renovation in progress

Hall Rentals - Nick Thomsen

- 3 January rentals, total $4,000

- New Price; goal to be $2500 with prior renters getting possible reduced rate

- We will be getting mobile coat racks to accommodate renters’ requests for coat racks.

Highlights of 2/18/26 Meeting 

House and Grounds

- New key box installed in rear of church

- Kitchen fire suppression checked and passed 

- Higher utility bills due to low temps and higher gas prices

- Thermostat replaced in office, now has functioning heat

Stewardship

- Very few pledges have been received at this point; QR code in bulletin to pledge and pay Archdioceses assessment

Young at Heart

- Police detective coming March 12, 2026 to go over different types of scams

Systems Administration

- New camera and microphone set up as part of the table in the Jabara room

Fundraising: Upcoming projects:

- Tricky Tray March 6, 2026

- Yard Sale May 1-2, 2026

- Don DiNovi Golf Outing June 16, 2026

- September Feast September 11, 2026 weekend

- Ongoing: Frozen Foods, Flower Sales

Facilities Update

It's hard to miss all that is going on with our physical church! A quick update:

Hall Renovation: Phase 2 (top of walls) of the Hall Renovation is almost complete. Design team members Stephanie Dedes Reimers and Adam Reimers have led the artistic efforts. Their selections of carpet, paint, and lighting will create a cohesive and inviting space. The stage will be sanded and coated with clear poly to highlight its natural red oak. Installation of Phase 3 (flooring) will begin after the Tricky Tray. Once the carpet and PVC flooring are installed, Adam Reimers and his team will add the new heating element covers.

Over the past few months, we hope our parish family has enjoyed seeing this much-needed renovation take shape. These improvements will provide a refreshed space for parish life while supporting the growth of the hall rental program within the community.

Sincere thanks are extended to the families who have sponsored the project thus far, including the ceiling, electrical upgrades, walls, and dance floor. Additional sponsorships are still needed to complete the renovation and ensure our church home continues to serve the parish for generations. Please speak with Father Nicholas, Robyn Ziemba, or Brian Scarpa to participate.

Exterior Ductwork: Ductwork replacement will begin after the snow melts. The trailer in the parking lot pertains to this project and will be removed once the ducts are replaced.

New Role: We are pleased to announce that John Meyer is our new Facilities Manager, helping to proactively care for our building. If you notice anything in need of repair, please notify House & Grounds Chairs, John Gakos or Robyn Ziemba.

Calling All High School Seniors



Each year, the June edition of Desert News features our graduating high school seniors. If you have a child who is a high school senior in your house, please contact Claudia Bogris so they can be featured.

Golf Outing: June 16

Save the date from now for the Annual Don DiNovi Memorial Golf Outing, to be held this year on Tuesday, June 16. There are many ways to participate - as a golfer, come for dinner, or as a sponsor. Mark you calendar from now and stay tuned for all the details.

Coming this September: An International Feast!

We have new and exciting plans underway for an International Feast, September 9, 10 and 11! It will bring back some of the delicious foods we all love from our festival, plus games, as we have our first indoor/outdoor event! Stay tuned for all the details, but save those dates from now!

Automated External Defibrillator

St. Anthony’s has an Automated External Defibrillator in the Church Hall.Betty Gakos is the Safety Officer of the AED program. Please advise Betty at jbgakos@yahoo.com if you are currently trained in CPR and AED use including your certification dates.

Your Annual Pledge

Each parishioner, every year, is asked to submit a pledge form in order to cover parish expenses. The pledge has two financial components.

1. We, like all churches, support our Archdiocese by paying an annual assessment. Each parish family is asked to pay this fee each year: $150/individual; $300/family. This assessment can be paid by check, on our website, or through your Parish Soft Giving account
2. Your Pledge/weekly offering covers all Parish Expenses: (Building & Grounds maintenance and repair, Utilities, Clergy, Staff, Christian Ed and parish programs, and Kitchen supplies.)

Paying your Assessment and filling out your pledge form confirms that you are a member in good standing of St Anthony’s Church.

The attached pledge form helps quantify giving at various percentages and salary points. Please return the form to the Pledge Box in the narthex. All financial information is confidential. Next month, and a few times a year, the names of parishioners who have submitted their pledge form will be listed in Desert News. (Not the pledge amount - that's confidential; just that a form was submitted.) Please submit your pledge form today!

Thank you for supporting your Church!

ParishSoft Giving

St. Anthony's provides an easy, convenient, and safe way for parishioners to make recurring payments or one-time gifts to the parish by using ParishSoft Giving. Click on the links below to see what you can do.

Parishioners can also make gifts from their mobile phone. TEXT ‘Giving’ to 201-581-7385. Visit the Stewardship page on your phone or computer to create your PSG account

Reminders

Calendar

Tricky Tray

Friday, March 6 (See above)

Women's Guild Celebration and Memorial

Sunday, March 8 (See above)

Women's Guild Book Night

Friday, March 13 (See above)

Church Library Renovation Celebration

Sunday, March 22 (See above)

IOCC Taste of New Jersey Fundraiser

Saturday, April 25 (See above)

Bring Yard Sale Donations

Sunday, April 26 during Coffee hour

Yard Sale

Friday May 1-Saturday, May 2 (See above)

Golf Outing

Tuesday, June 16 (See above)

International Feast

September 9-11(See above)