Cemetery History
New Sign Facing Raymond Place
New Sign Facing Raymond Place
New Sign Facing Raymond Place
Cross on top of Hill
Cross on top of Hill
Cross on top of Hill
Original Granite Stone Sign
Original Granite Stone Sign
Original Granite Stone Sign

Our Church Cemetery was founded in 1910 - five years after the founding of our Church.

By 1910, the church was able to accumulate $800.00 through donations from the parishioners, and they acquired a two-story corner store next to the church for a rectory. The store was enclosed and a small wing was attached to it. The church school was housed in the store, and the wing became a library.

At this time , the Brotherhood had been working on a cemetery project. In May of 1910, they acquired five wooded acres from James Bisset, the first mayor of South River, for the sum of $300.00. To celebrate the signing of the deed, our parishioners walked through one and a half miles of marsh and woods until they found the hill where the cross now stands. There they exploded many firecrackers and then started to work on a road. Mr. Bisset had donated enough land for an access road, as well as the use of his horse and wagon, and gave our parishioners all the brickbats they needed to fill in the marshy areas. The parishioners had to do the loading and unloading, but their first task was to cut and clear about a mile of woods for their roadbed.

A local blacksmith, William Kelch, made and donated a 25 foot steel cross which, in time, deteriorated and was replaced by a smaller wooden cross. The cemetery grounds are approximately a quarter mile from the Church accessible through Raymond Place, off of Kamm Avenue.

The first parishioner buried at the cemetery was Mr. John Koval on October 7, 1910. As the story tells it, “Since there was no bridge crossing the river in Old Bridge to get to the glass factory, our people had tied a raft to get back and forth to work. During a torrential rain, the raft was swept away and John drowned.”

A number of individuals who were instrumental in the history of our Church are reposed here in our cenmetery including the V. Rev. Philip Pechinsky, V. Rev. Peter Semashko, and Professor Ivan Blonsky who was the director of the church choir for many decades.

In 1949, the church acquired an additional 10 acres for the cemetery from Marcus Wright (son of the builder of our church) at $50.00 an acre. The property remained wooded until 1962. This new addition was dedicated by Metropolitan Ireney on June 9, 1975, as it was needed for interment. Under the leadership of the Very Reverend Joseph Kreshik, the new ten acres were developed at the cemetery. Another strip of land was acquired from the town to include some old burials which were located on borough property, and the entire 15 acres were fenced in for the first time. At the same time, our Seven Acres Park was still mostly mud and swamp. French drains were put in, fill dirt from the cemetery was carted in, a barbecue area was built, a baseball field laid out, some trees removed and others planted, and the entire area was enclosed by a fence.

During the 2010 decade, trees were planted along either side of the road to the newer section of the cemetery as a beautification project. In 2016, some of the now rusting fencing was removed, and a Cemetery sign was added at the end of Raymond Place.

St. Thomas Sunday grave blessing services are vigilantly performed every year. Memorial Day services for those Parishioners who lost their lives in the service of our country are also kept every year.

 

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Recent Weekly Bulletin
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2022-11-06 14:23:34

March 13, 2022


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Upcoming Events
Category: Recent Events
Last updated: 2025-02-12 12:29:24

Confession schedule can be found in the bulletin OR by clicking here: Monthly Calendar For those who are hesitant to worship in person, Fr. David is available to meet with you, either at home or in church, to participate in the Sacraments of Holy Confession and Communion. Please email or call Fr. David to set up an appointment.  
 
General Confession will be held on the first and third Saturdays of every month. You are NOT required to attend twice per month - only once - and if you are in need of a private confession, Fr. David is available on Saturday evenings, starting at 6PM.
 
The Annual Parish Meeting  will be held on Sunday, February 16th, following Coffee Hour.
 
Interested in learning more about the history, teaching and practice of the Orthodox Church? A Faith Enrichment Series series via Zoom will take place on three consecutive Wednesday evenings: February 12, 19 &26, beginning at 7PM.  These gatherings will be focusing on the sacramental life of the Church: What do we believe happens in the Mysteries of Baptism & Chrismation, Confession & Communion and Marriage & Ordination? If you want to take part, send an E-mail to Fr. David (dfmg@aol.com) and he will send you the Zoom link - ALL are welcome!
 
Join us for a Pre-Lenten Mardi Gras on Saturday, February 15th at 6PM. in the church hall. (NOTE: Vespers with General Confession will be served at 5PM). There will be music and dancing, as well as a dinner buffet including chicken paprikash, stugged cabbage, Mediterranean cod, vegetables, salad, dessert and coffee. Cost to attend is $35 for adults and $20 for children under 12. All proceeds will go towards the 120th Anniversary Banquet in late June. For tickets call (732 395-1651) or E-mail Allison Steffaro at (michaelsteffaro@comcast.net). As we ramp up to Lent, let's enjoy one last feast and fellowship together; all are invited to come and celebrate at this family friendly event - Slavic style!
 
The Senior R Club is sponsoring an Atlantic City Bus Trip to the Resorts Hotel & Casino on Tuesday, February 25th. Departure from the main parking lot on Whitehead Ave will be at 9a.m. SHARP. The price is $35 with a return of $20 in free slot play. If you are looking to have a good time and meet some awesome people, then this event is for you! Seats are limited, so register NOW. Contact Janice Meade @ (732-255-8671 or janicemeade@aol.com) for reservations. This will be the last trip before Great Lent.
 
Prosphora (Holy Bread) Baking  will take place in the hall on Saturday, March 1st, starting at 10:00AM. Preparing this offering for every Divine Liturgy is an ancient and meaningful Orthodox Church tradition - a prayerful and solemn undertaking that is a great privilege for everyone who participates. - ALL are welcome to join our little group of Holy Rollers. 
 
The Altar Society will be holding a Needlepoint Sale during Coffee Hour on March 2nd, AND the Communion Breakfast on Sunday, March 9th. Support this parish organization by purchasing one or more of the stunning hand-sewn canvases available; they make wonderful keepsakes and gifts that you, your family and friends will treasure.
 
FOOD CARD PROGRAM : Food cards are available for various supermarket chains after Divine Liturgy, and do not cost any more than the face value of the card. The church receives a percentage as a free fundraiser! See Judy Znaiden in church or at jznaiden@optonline.net.
 
MEETING DATES:

Church School: Resumes on Sunday February 9th

Altar Society: Mon. xxxxx @6:30 (Hall)

Parish Council: Monday, xxxx@7:30PM (Hall)

Choir Rehearsal: Tuesday, Feb. 11th@7:00PM (Church)

Men's Club: Thurs Feb. 20th @ 7:00 (Hall) - 


Saturday, February 15
4:30 Panihida for Priest John Kozak
5:00 Vespers followed by General Confession
6:00 Pre-Lenten Mardi Gras
Sunday, February 16
9:00 Divine Liturgy followed by
Annual Parish Meeting in Hall
Friday, February 21
7:00 Matins for the Departed
Saturday, February 22
Memorial Saturday
6:00 Confessions
7:00 Vespers
Sunday, February 23
Meatfare Sunday
9:00 Divine Liturgy
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church / South River, NJ / 732-257-0102