Parish Success Stories

Growing up in the 1950s and 60s may have been vastly different than it is today, but one thing that hasn't changed for Orthodox Christian girls is the question: "Why can't I go behind the altar and serve?" "Why can't I help at the Divine Liturgy as the altar boys do?" …

1. Bakery boxes. Our customers let us know that they liked the 9" pie boxes best. We had used smaller, deeper boxes a few times. 2. Paper liners for boxes. 3. Disposable plastic gloves. If you can't find them, a plastic sandwich bag will…

In 1989, our parish, Saint Joseph's, was established in Chicago's far-western DuPage County suburbs, a rapidly-growing area of around one million people which, at the time, had only three Orthodox churches. Initially, we met in the cafeteria of a public school in…

The year 1997 marked the 5th anniversary of our annual Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach, held at our parish, Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church in Livonia, MI. The idea to hold this annual dinner as a parish event was initiated by the Good Samaritan Committee of the parish.…

For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink: I was a stranger and you took Me in: (Matthew 25:17) This is a love story, not only between two people, but the love and desire they had to help those in need. Michael and Gisela Butcoff fell…

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me" -- Matthew 25:35 The story of St. Matthew House, Columbia, Maryland On a bright, sunlit Sunday, April 25, 1999, His Beatitude, the Most Blessed THEODOSIUS, Archbishop of Washington, DC, Metropolitan of All America and Canada gathered…

Liturgy by definition implies action, and children more than most are soon bored when placed in the role of mere spectators. Now that most of our dioceses and parishes are encouraging the attendance of children at the sacred Liturgy, it becomes all the more important…

It is so very important in setting patterns for which to involve children in ministry to others, and to show them what they, even at a young age, can accomplish. This learning becomes especially effective when they reach out to young people their own age for which they have…

What Is Project Mexico? Project Mexico is a rare partnership of Orthodox Christian Jurisdictions from both the United States and Mexico. Our very own people do the work of this charity. Their lives are changed in the process. What Do You Do? For nearly five years,…

Personal stories from childhood which pertain to the Church have unique power. Given the right opportunity, sharing these stories with others can be a gratifying experience for ourselves, and for others. Faith can be shared. Seeds can be planted. Lives can be touched. And, I…