St Simon of Cyrene Orthodox Mission

THE BACKGROUND:

September 21, 2012 I began my journey into Holy Orthodoxy through the rite of Baptism. After having been formed in the Coptic tradition, my heart was filled with zeal to share faith with others. It was at this time I requested the blessing of our bishop to plant a mission parish in the city the New Brunswick. Having seen the example of cross bearing in the life of St Simon of Cyrene we prayerfully took the name of this great patron saint, the first to carry his cross for Christ.

Four years later we are now awaiting our official reception into the Orthodox Church of America Diocese of New York & New Jersey. Join us December 17, 2016 at SS Peter and Paul Orthodox Church 605 Washington Ave Manville, NJ to celebrate this historic occasion. The following day we will be hosting our first service at our new location, 2 King Arthur Ct. North Brunswick, NJ.

Our bishop, HE (His Eminence) Archbishop Michael was a seminarian at the end of the Civil Rights Movement. It was at this time he had a deep concern and zeal to share the richness of Holy Orthodoxy with those in the African diaspora. It is with the very same desire HE Archbishop Michael has commissioned us to be the first of many to complete this mission.

Our mission is very simple; to spread the love of Jesus Christ in the city of New Brunswick and its surrounding areas, by restoring the Orthodox faith, Tradition, and rites. To serve the needs of the poor and outcast, the “little ones” who have no power of their own. As a parish of purpose, it is our desire to live in the pattern of Jesus Christ, to be an imitation of loving sacrifice for others in obedience to God.

ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN: Project New Brunswick

The objective of this Church Building Fund Campaign is to build a parish with the purpose of restoring ancient Christianity to those whose predecessors were among Christianity’s first converts. Restoration is not easy. Being the first of many like-minded parishes, ours will be the messiest in this effort. Along with meeting the needs of our building budget, there are many needs that need to fill in order to plant a Orthodox parish for this community. It is in our interest once this fund is complete to center our attention on raising funds for our working poor and homeless outreach along with our education program, The Marcus Garvey and St Athanasius Academy. We strongly believe through these to outreach efforts we can help bring about much needed restoration and healing to those within the city of New Brunswick and it neighboring towns. This project will be funded by two main sources: our internal building fund campaign (including tithes and offerings), and external financing.

THE BENEFITS OF THIS PROJECT:

At the completion of this project, St Simon of Cyrene Orthodox Church and this community will benefit from the following, but not be limited to:

- A sense of security to the community
- Family enrichment and the cultivation of healthy social living
- A decrease in crime, and an increase in economic development
- An increase in membership and giving
- The development of community jobs (i.e. daycare, summer camps)
- A sanctuary that will accommodate up to 300 parishioners
- Class rooms for meetings and youth education
- A central location to provide food and clothing to the community
- Partnering with the local schools for after school and supplemental programs (i.e. tutoring, literacy, community service)

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

In the next 88 days we need to raise $13,700, and this is how you can help! Donations in any amount can be accepted via this page or you may mail a check or money order to:

Mailing Address:
OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey
33 Hewitt Ave
Bronxville NY 10708

[email redacted]
[phone redacted]

*Make checks payable to:
OCA Diocese of New York and New Jersey
Memo: Project New Brunswick/St Simon’s

THE MATH:
500 people give $27.40=$13,700
250 people give $54.80=$13,700
150 people give $91=$13,700
100 people give $137=$13,700
50 people give $274=$13,700
25 people give $548=$13700

WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER! If everyone on your Facebook friends list gave at least $5.00 we will reach our goal within hours!

Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!

Samuel Davis
St Simon of Cyrene Mission
OCA Diocese of NY & NJ