As the summer sun warms the Catskills and lends its golden glow to the lush greenery of upstate New York, our little Eastern Orthodox parish in Pine Bush comes alive like never before. Each summer, we’re blessed to welcome a wave of visitors from the Monticello summer rental communities, most of whom hail from the bustling NYC area. This seasonal migration brings not only a doubling of our congregation but also a profound sense of shared faith, fellowship, and joy.
A Summer Tradition
For years, these summer visitors have been an integral and cherished part of our church community. While the Monticello area offers beautiful lakes, scenic trails, and calm escapes from city life, our church becomes a retreat for the soul. Throughout the season, families who have rented vacation homes pack their cars on Sunday mornings and drive the scenic roads to Pine Bush, where they join us for the Divine Liturgy.
With their arrival, the familiar sounds of chant and prayers are paired with the laughter of children and the echo of heartfelt conversations. The influx of families and children creates a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere — one that we eagerly anticipate each year.
Building Bonds Through Fellowship
One of the most beautiful aspects of the summer is how seamlessly our year-round parishioners and summer visitors come together as one family in Christ. New friendships form, old connections are rekindled, and the church grounds feel alive with warmth and hospitality.
The children are perhaps the most excited about this seasonal gathering. Our parish playground and surrounding fields become the perfect setting for games, laughter, and playfulness. The sight of kids running around, giggling, and forming friendships that may last a lifetime is a reminder of the innocence and joy that a shared faith can bring.
For the adults, the post-service hours evolve from quiet moments to lively gatherings. Conversations flow, stories are exchanged, and connections deepen. In a world that often feels fragmented, this sense of community feels like a precious gift — one that summer brings to us each year.
Special Moments: Picnics and Fellowship Meals
On special occasions, our church picnics welcome both year-round members and summer visitors alike. After the Divine Liturgy, we set up tables under the shade of trees, share homemade dishes, and celebrate the simple but profound joy of being together. Kids run barefoot on the grass, adults linger over coffee and desserts, and our bonds as a community grow even stronger.
These events remind us how the spirit of Orthodoxy extends beyond the confines of our church walls. Picnics like these become an extension of our liturgical worship — where we celebrate the blessings of food, fellowship, and nature with gratitude.
A Heartfelt “Thank You” to Our Visitors
As summer winds down, and the families return to their homes in the NYC area, we’re always a little sad to see them go. But we send them off with prayers for a blessed year, gratitude for the cherished moments shared, and the hope that we’ll meet again next year. Their presence enriches our parish in countless ways, and the memories created during these summer months linger long after they’ve left.
To our summer visitors: thank you for choosing to worship with us, for bringing the vitality of your families to our parish, and for loving and supporting our little church in Pine Bush. You are a vital part of our spiritual family, and we eagerly await the next time we can welcome you back.
Until next summer, may God bless all our parishioners, near and far, and may we continue to grow together in faith, love, and gratitude.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1
