What is Orthodox Christianity?

The Orthodox Church is the Christian Church founded by Jesus Christ and His Apostles.  It is the oldest Christian Church but not widely known to those who live in North America, however, it has become home to those who are searching for the unchanged Apostolic Faith.  Orthodox roots are found in ancient cities such as Antioch, Constantinople and Kiev, and in 1794 Russian missionaries to Kodiak Island, Alaska and many European immigrants that followed brought the Orthodox Faith to America.  Those early immigrants planted the seeds that show forth as part of the 225 million members world-wide.  The Church body forms various jurisdictions such as Antiochian, Greek and Russian - all are part of the one Church, one Faith and Communion that continues the undiminished and unaltered faith practice for over two thousand years.  The chart below illustrates this history, the early church is alive today and clearly visible when one steps inside an Orthodox Church. 

Holy Ascension began as a mission of the Orthodox Church in America, Diocese of the South, and has grown steadily with members coming from various faith backgrounds. All are invited to come and see that "which was once delivered unto the Saints" for the good of mankind. 

First Visit

We warmly welcome you to our parish, to attend an Inquirer's class, speak with Fr. John or come to any of the services offered during the week.  Most first time visitors choose to come to a Vespers service either on Wednesday or Saturday evenings at 6:00 pm.  Vespers is a beautiful service of prayer that prepares us for the sleep of the night and the dawn of the new day to come.  Orthodoxy may seem foreign at first and one may feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the services, but that fades away in time.  We gather together to "draw near in faith and love" and grow in the knowledge and understanding of Truth who is Jesus Christ and in this there is great comfort. 

Resources

Please click links below for further information: