Pastors John and Elena Picarello
THE
PASTOR
John is a nationally
known speaker and has been preaching and teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ since 1978. He was licensed and ordained in
January 1996 under the ministry of Bishop Joseph G. Mattera at Resurrection Church in Brooklyn N.Y. and in May of
that same year he and his wife Elena founded House on The Rock Christian Fellowship located on Staten Island, New York.
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Pastors John and Elena have a desire to see all people experience
the redeeming power of the Cross, and to be healed and transformed by the love of Jesus Christ through the ministry of
the word of God.
They have
four children and three grandchildren. Pastor John serves on the Board of Directors for Sound the Trumpet Ministries
International, and is also a member of the Regional leadership Team of Christ Covenant Coalition Inc., in New York City. He
is also an active member of the National Association of Evangelicals.
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THE FIREFIGHTER
John was a 22 year veteran of the NYC Fire Department
and a survivor of the World Trade Center tragedy. He began his career in 1986 with Engine Co. 278 in the Sunset Park section
of Brooklyn, New York. He has served with Ladder Co. 109 and Battalion 40 and has also worked in Engine
Co. 152 and was assigned to Battalion 21 in Staten Island, New York.
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Since
September 11th, 2001 John has had the opportunity to give his testimony to thousands across the country. John has spoken in
College Universities, High Schools, and has been the keynote speaker at numerous banquets honoring the service of rescue
workers throughout the country, also appearing on the 700 club, TBN and a host of radio stations. John has also spoken at
Madison Square Garden in 2002 and the Billy Graham Crusade NYC in 2005.
