Thursday, May 22, 2014

EPISCOPAL VISIT TO HOLY CROSS PARISH




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From left to right: Fr. John (OCA); Fr. Victor, Rector of Holy Cross parish (ROCOR); 
Bishop George (ROCOR); Fr. Michael, Assisting at Holy Cross parish (ROCOR);
and Fr. Anthony (ROCOR)



On Monday, May 12, 2014 His Grace Bishop George of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) arrived in Omaha, Nebraska to begin a five day Episcopal visit to Holy Cross parish. Two Orthodox priests arrived the next day to join us for four days of prayer and fellowship.

Long time lay reader Mike Choiniere was tonsured a Reader by Bishop George during Western Rite Vespers on Tuesday evening, May 13, and then the congregation enjoyed a potluck church supper in honour of the bishop’s visit and the tonsure of our new Reader. It was a wonderful evening and I have seldom seen so much delicious food at a parish function.

In addition to the visiting Orthodox clergy we also had visiting Anglican clergy who traveled to Omaha to meet the bishop. These Anglican priests are interested in entering the Orthodox Church as Western Rite clergy. Another information meeting for interested Anglican clergy will be held next month in Atlanta.

Holy Cross Orthodox Church is a Western Rite parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. In December 2013 we opened a new and much larger parish hall, and in 2014 we have been undertaking the renovation of our chapel. Our church facility has been expanded and beautified to the glory of God. When you walk in the door of our chapel you will have the unmistakable feeling that you are on holy ground and you will feel the presence of the Living God.

We celebrate the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist every Sunday morning at 10:00 AM, with Gregorian chant, incense and Biblical preaching. The Holy Eucharist is preceded by Morning Prayer or Matins at 9:30 AM. We are a faithful, friendly and active congregation, and we have a place for you. I hope to see you on Sunday!