St. John Orthodox Church

When to go

About

• Elaine Lambros★★★★★3 years ago

  The people are the body of Christ here. Beautiful church with warm and welcoming people. The choir is lovely. The iconography is gorgeous. They have several relics from various saints. If you want to experience the early church, come and see!

• Google User★★★☆☆2 months ago

  I approached the priest to ask for an accommodation due to health issues that prevent me from being around smoke. I explained that exposure to smoke causes me significant physical pain. (My health practitioner and I realize that the smoke triggered my autoimmune disease and that I could have lost a limb). Four health practitioners told me that the smoke is a health hazard. The Priest responded by saying he had to do what was “best” for the church but offered to lower the incense. I told him, respectfully, that even a reduced amount still affects my health and that I can not be around it at all. I suggested maybe swinging an empty sensor on rare occasions like some Orthodox churches are doing and he said no. I asked if he might consider speaking to other members of the church to see if anyone else experiences similar issues. He said no, and instead suggested that I attend the hourly prayers. While I appreciate that option, I expressed that I wanted to be able to attend the full liturgy like everyone else. Unfortunately, the conversation ended without a resolution, and since then, no further effort has been made to address the situation. I have not been able to attend church for one year and I have not heard from the priest. I brought the issue to the attention to both the bishop and the metropolitan, but the only advice I received was to ask other women in the church to bring up the issue with him. Sadly, no one did. The priest also told the heirarchs that I’m not seeing a health practitioner, which is untrue. This response by the priest probably hurt my case to receive accommodation at this church. Thankfully, compassionate members advocated for me to the priest, but the issue was still not examined further. He also told people that he offered to bring me communion to my home, which did not actually occur. The one time I requested to have confession over the phone because I was unable to drive, he said no. Feeling unheard, I told the bishop I was considering leaving the church because I feel I am not even allowed to attend the service due to a health condition beyond my control. Recently, I once again reached out to some women, asking them to speak to the priest about this so I could return to church. Around the same time, I expressed that I no longer feel the presence of God in this church- a feeling that comes from deep spiritual hurt, not judgment. Shortly afterward, I noticed I was removed from the women's group online. While I can’t say for sure this was in response to my review, it felt like yet another confirmation that I have been excluded rather than cared for. Also, the priest sent a mass email to the women of the church and influenced them not to offer me further support. He specifically announced to all of the women that he was “in the process of taking care of the issue”, when in truth, the issue was ignored. My spouse attended catechism classes for one year and did not understand the process at the end of course and there was lack of communication, so felt forgotten. When we had premarital counseling with the priest, I was verbally lashed at and spoken to in a derogatory manner for being excited. Ever since, I was terrified to attend subsequent sessions. My worst experiences were being coerced into doing a cleaning chore and disclosing my health information. Lastly, don’t expose yourself to new viruses by partaking in communion. I’m sharing this not to accuse or condemn, but because I deeply desire to be part of a Christian community where health needs are met with compassion and dialogue, and where members feel SAFE and spiritually supported. I hope that one day this can be resolved in a spirit of understanding and grace. “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven.” James 5:14-15

• Richard Luper★★★★★10 months ago

  If you are Orthodox or just exploring. This is your new home. We have a large number of protestant converts, cradle babies and people from all over the world (Syarian, Russian, ect). Our clergyman are very welcoming and one of them was Protestants baptist pastor (many moons ago lol). This is were we landed a few years ago after our break with Protestantiam. Come join the Church Jesus started, Holy Holy Holy and God Bless.

• Anna Reed★★★★★6 years ago

  What a blessing it was to visit this Church! I visited with my son who is only 1.5yrs old, and we felt so welcomed! Many people greeted us, showed us around and were so gracious to us. I was very happy to see so many other children there. It made us feel at home. There were also many others who chatted with us and welcomed us again at coffee hour. We look forward to visiting here again when we are in town.

• Larry Thompson★★★★★7 years ago

  The building is beautiful inside and out, including the vibrant murals of saints; but the greatest beauty is in the people. I have the honor of knowing Father Philip and some of the worshipers, and all the people I have been privileged to know from St John Orthodox have impressed me with warm and sincere grace at some of the hardest times of their lives.

• Reacher X★★★★★10 months ago

  Are black people allowed to join this church? Or do they hate black people too?

• Cole Fast Chord Butler (Spencer Foster)★★★★★4 years ago

  I have truly found my spiritual home, it’s beautiful, they teach from the Bible, and the people and leadership there are so nice.

• Michael Amick★★★★★6 years ago

  The truist representation of the original teaching from the apostles that we have available in this nation today. "The disciples were 1st called Christians in Antioch."

• Lincoln Reynolds★★★★★4 years ago

  Absolutely wonderful community overflowing with love and peace. Father Phillip and all the clergy are truly wonderful.

• Cade Downen★★★★★2 months ago

  Wonderful

• Andraous Jahshan★★★★★10 years ago

  A very beautiful spiritual experience i had in this church.

• Julie Ervin★★★★★3 years ago

  We love this church so dearly!!

• R Moore★★★★★3 years ago

  The original early Church, basically unchanged, alive and well.

• Bill S★★★★★12 years ago

  Great Great Church. Even better people.

• Walter Bowick★★★★★8 years ago

  Please visit this church!

• Elijah White★★★★★6 years ago

  The services are beautiful!

• S Hodges★★★★★7 years ago

  Come and visit!

Services and facilities

Events and programs

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