Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thine inheritance.
Grant victory to Thy Church over her enemies,
and protect Thy people by Thy Holy Cross!
My Antiochian parish began 25 years ago as a Mission with 5 families.
The average Sunday attendance is around 150, drawing folks from six counties in south central Pennsyvlania. There used to be a couple of families in northern Maryland...until they moved into PA specifically to be closer to their church.
Probably 80% of this vibrant congregation are converts. There are around 8 - 10 Chrismations each year. This past Holy Saturday a family of six (thirtyish Mom & Dad and four children) were received by Chrismation and Baptism.
The Priest is a former Lutheran Pastor. The Deacons were former RC and Episcopalian. The congregants include 6 former clergy (three of those Mennonite!) and a former Episcopal novice nun.
As I get around the Archdiocese, however, I am becoming increasingly aware that this congregation is a truly blessed exception. Many of the ethnic congregations are stugling and more than a few are on life support.
That’s wonderful lightman! I’m currently an inquirer in an OCA parish.