Excerpts from diocesan gramotas presented in St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Church in Rocky Hill, NJ on Saturday, November 5, 2011:

To the Very Reverend Archpriest David Straut:

Thirteen years ago, by God’s grace, you planted the seeds of an Orthodox community in Somerville, New Jersey, and as the shepherd of your flock were able to overcome the many difficulties that accompany opening a new mission parish. Under your spiritual leadership, the parish was able to move to Rocky Hill in 2004 and transform an historic church into a beautiful and grace-filled Orthodox temple for the many souls that continue to come in search of salvation. Here, expanding upon the talent granted you by God, you have worked tirelessly to bring the beauty and splendor of the Russian Orthodox services to the English-speaking faithful of our Diocese.

Having given yourself entirely to your flock, your parishioners know you as a wise and humble pastor, who embodies the very principles of love and compassion you so diligently preach. Because of your boundless love for your flock, St. Elizabeth’s has grown to become a vibrant and flourishing parish of the Eastern American Diocese of the Russian Church Abroad.

Highly esteeming your many years of zealous service, witnessing your love for God and His Holy Church, we express our profound gratitude and heartfelt congratulations on the monumental occasion of the 25^th anniversary of your ordination, and call upon you God’s blessing.

To Matushka Faith Straut:

For twenty-five years you have helped your husband bear the heavy cross of priesthood as his loving wife and matushka. The last thirteen years of your life have been dedicated to creating an Orthodox parish community to care for the flock that has been entrusted to Fr. David by God. You have stood by his side and worked tirelessly to grow a small mission into a vibrant and thriving parish. Much like the patron saint of your parish, St. Elizabeth the New Martyr, you came to the True Faith through conversion and have been an inspiration to many other who walk through the doors of your beloved church in search of salvation.

Having raised a pious family of five children, you continue to share your love with the parish family who know you as a kind and gentle mother. Having given yourself entirely to the service of God, you have become like the “lilies of the field” (Matthew 6:28), always putting the needs of others ahead of your own.  You have heed the words of our Savior when He said, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Through your love and sacrifice, St. Elizabeth’s continues to grow physically and spiritually. May the Lord reward you with health and prosperity in this life, and salvation in the life to come.

To Reader Daniel Lieuwen

As one of the founding members of the church, for thirteen years you have worked tirelessly to support the growth and wellbeing of your beloved parish. In the early years, when the parish lacked a permanent church building, you graciously opened the doors of your home and gave the faithful a place to worship and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

Serving the parish as a reader, council member, and treasurer, you have earnestly toiled for many years, often working for long hours behind the scenes, in the fear of God and for the glory of His Holy Name. As a faithful assistant to the rector for over thirteen years, your love and dedication is admired and cherished by all of your fellow parishioners. Because of the dedication of men and women like you, St. Elizabeth’s has grown to become a vibrant and flourishing parish of the Eastern American Diocese of the Russian Church Abroad. May the Lord reward you with health and prosperity in this life, and salvation in the life to come.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese