Letter of Acceptance
Proposed St. Nicholas Orthodox Mission
A Mission Parish of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA
C/O 1406 Philadelphia Pike
Wilmington, DE 19809
(302) 798-4455
February 12, 2008
Praise be to Jesus Christ!
Your Eminence:
On Saturday, January 26th, 2008, a meeting was called at the home of Edward and Cheryl Zabowski to talk about the possibility of forming an Orthodox Mission Parish in Dover, Delaware. The meeting followed Great Vespers and it was chaired by Very Rev. Stephen Hutnick with twelve people in attendance: Edward Zabrowski, Cheryl Zabrowski, Sylvia Holt, Frank Biddle, Sonja Biddle, Robert Perrine, Veronica Perrine, Norman Kristic, Vince Spelock, Dana Spelock, Ralph Varbich, and Esther Belliveau.
Father Stephen spoke about the commitment spiritually, financially and physically that was needed in order to make the Mission Parish a reality. Attendance at services is a requirement and a place of worship would need to be found. A Committee consisting of Father Stephen, Robert Perrine, Edward Zabrowski, Norman Kristic and Sylvia Holt will search for a property to rent for the Divine Services. Father Stephen stated that he would celebrate Divine Liturgy on one Sunday of the month and a Vesperal Liturgy would be celebrated on one Saturday of the month.
It was decided that a budget of at least $700.00 monthly would be needed to begin services in Dover. As per the directive of Your Eminence, a Treasurer needed to be appointed. Robert Perrine volunteered for the position and he was unanimously accepted by the attendees. A checking account would be opened with Robert and Father Stephen as the cosigners of the account. Discussed also was our obligation to help support our Eparchy and our Church Center in South Bound Brook, New Jersey. All of this was agreed upon unanimously by those in attendance.
With all of this discussed and accepted, the attendees asked Father Stephen to draft a letter to your Eminence requesting acceptance. After prayer and contemplation, a motion was made to place the Mission Parish under the Patronage of Saint Nicholas of Myra. It was accepted unanimously.
Your Eminence, the undersigned faithful humbly request that you accept this Mission Parish of St. Nicholas of Myra under your omophor as a spiritual member of our Holy Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. I also humbly request an antimens to be used for the Divine Liturgies that will be celebrated there.
Hoping this letter finds you well and begging Your Apostolic Blessing, I remain
Sincerely in Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen Hutnick
And the Parishioners’ Signatures