Ss Peter and Paul Orthodox Church
98 West 28th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002
V. Rev. W. Sophrony Royer, Rector : Rectory Telephone 201-436-3244 Email: svpetrapavla1922.baynj@gmail.com

 

 

WELCOME

 

Welcome to Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Bayonne, New Jersey, a parish of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). 

This Orthodox Christian community, within the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, serves Northeastern New Jersey.  

We invite all who are searching, to experience the Orthodox Church - the original Christian Church founded by Jesus and continued by His Apostles.

  Over the past 100 years, thousands have called Saints Peter and Paul their home. Maybe this parish is the kind of spiritual home you have been searching for as well.   

 

COME AND SEE

 

Our services are in English and all are welcome! 

 

 

 


100th Anniversary Commemoration

 

On the weekend of October 22-23, 2022, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon and His Eminence, Archbishop Michael joined the clergy and faithful of Saint Peter and Paul Church, Bayonne, NJ for the celebration of the parish’s 100th Anniversary.

The commemoration of this milestone event began on Saturday evening with both Hierarchs in attendance for Great Vespers.  On Sunday morning, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Michael.  Concelebrants included Archpriest Sophrony Royer, Rector, Archpriest John Fencik and Priest Stephen Krivonak of neighboring St. Mary’s Parish, Bayonne (ACROD), Protodeacon Peter Danilchik, Deacons Peter Ilchuk and Stefan Karlgut, Subdeacons Mark Federoff and Zachary Parisi assisted in the altar along with Readers Stephen Wasilewski and Philip Benda.  At the conclusion of Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Tikhon presented Father Sophrony and the parish with a Synodal Gramota in honor of the 100th Anniversary.   Additionally, Archbishop Michael presented six parish council members with Gramotas in recognition of years in service to the parish family.

A celebratory banquet followed at the Knights of Columbus in Bayonne, NJ.  Parish Council President, Reader Stephen Wasilewski, serving as toastmaster, welcomed parishioners, friends, and honored guests.  Bayonne City Council Member-At-Large, Juan M. Perez presented the parish with a citation in recognition of the celebration of the 100th Anniversary.  Remarks were offered by Very Reverend Sophrony Royer, Rector Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church; Mitred Archpriest Joseph Lickwar, Chancellor of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey; The Most Reverend Michael, Archbishop of New York and the Diocese of New York and New Jersey; and The Most Blessed Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada.

The 100th Anniversary celebration was an inspirational and memorable one for the Orthodox faithful and friends gathered in Bayonne; expressing prayerful gratitude for the many blessings God continues to bestow on the parish of Saints Peter and Paul.                           

 
100th Anniversary Celebration Photogallery

100th Anniversary - 10/23/2022

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2023 Archpastoral Visit

Archbishop Michael visited our parish on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, the 3rd Day of Christmas and feast of Protomartyr Stephen. Brunch was held in the church hall after Divine Liturgy.

(11 images)



Diocesan News

Wednesday, 27 Mar 2024

Archbishop Michael Recognizes Dedication and Service: Bestows Double Orarion ...
27 Mar 2024 at 2:41am


Tuesday, 19 Mar 2024

Men's Retreat at St. John the Theologian (Shirley, Long Island) with Fr. Mich...
19 Mar 2024 at 9:17pm

Memory Eternal: + Archpriest Herman Schick (UPDATED)
19 Mar 2024 at 12:00pm


Saturday, 16 Mar 2024




Saints and Readings of the Day
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Click here for today's Scripture Readings

Click here for information about Saints commemorated today



Announcements and Upcoming Events
John (Lower Left) and Joseph (Lower Right)
John (Lower Left) and Joseph (Lower Right)
John (Lower Left) and Joseph (Lower Right)

Welcome to our new Altar Servers

On Sunday, May 28, 2023, John and Joseph Eltarazy were welcomed as the Parish's newest Altar Servers.  Many Years to John and Joseph!


Upcoming Services
Saturday, March 30
5:00pm Great Vespers
Sunday, March 31
9:20am 3rd Hour
9:30am Divine Liturgy

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Lives of Ss. Peter and Paul
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Holy Apostles Peter and Paul are traditionally regarded as the leaders of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.

Both St. Peter and St. Paul received their new names, indicating a new relationship with God. Simon the fisherman became known as Cephas (John 1:42), or Peter after confessing Jesus as the Son of God (Mt.16:18).

St Peter, the brother of St Andrew, was a fisherman on the sea of Galilee. He was married, and Christ healed his mother-in-law of a fever (Mt.8:14). He, with James and John, witnessed the most important miracles of the Savior's earthly life.

Despite his earlier recognition of Christ as the Son of God, he denied Him three times on the night before the Crucifixion. Therefore, after His Resurrection, the Lord asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Then He told Peter to feed His sheep (John 21:15-17).

After the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, St. Peter addressed the crowd (Acts 2:14), and performed many miracles in Christ's name. He baptized Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10:48). He was cast into prison, but escaped with the help of an angel (Acts 5:19). St. Peter also traveled to many places in order to proclaim the Gospel message. He wrote two Epistles, which are part of the New Testament.

St. Peter was put to death in Rome during the reign of Nero. According to Tradition, he asked to be crucified upside down, since he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.

St. Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin, and lived in Tarsus in Cilicia. He once described himself as a Hebrew, an Israelite of the seed of Abraham (2 Cor. 11:22). He was also a Pharisee and a tent-maker (Acts 18:3) who had studied the Law with Gamaliel at Jerusalem.

At first, he was called Saul, and had persecuted the Church. He was present at the stoning of St. Stephen (Acts 7: 58). Then, on the road to Damascus, he was converted when Christ appeared to him. Blinded by the vision, he was healed when Ananias laid his hands on him. After his cure, he was baptized (Acts 9:18).

St. Paul is the greatest of the missionaries. He preached the Gospel in Greece, Asia Minor, and in Rome, and wrote fourteen Epistles. Tradition says that he was martyred in Rome about the year 68.