June 10, 2013
West Point, MS: A new parish has opened in Mississippi

The Eastern American Diocese now has a parish in the state of Mississippi. St. Brigid of Kildare Church was founded as a Western Rite parish in June 2011. In April 2013, they petitioned to be accepted into the Eastern American Diocese and, with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, the parish, led by rector Priest Michael Dunstan and Deacon Alexis Maddox, officially joined the Diocese on April 27.

Being the first diocesan parish in Mississippi, St. Brigid’s has an opportunity to continue ROCOR’s missionary efforts in a state that is relatively foreign to the customs and traditions of the Russian Church. "One approach to planting missions and building churches would be to develop a strong central church, and have that church then foster smaller missions in neighboring communities, using the experience of its own struggles as a guide," said Fr. Michael. "In this way, it might be possible to bring the Faith to many who have never even heard of Holy Orthodoxy, and establish a foothold here in the South."

Since the parish must currently rent worship facilities, the most immediate concern is the expansion and construction of a new church.

"Just like many other small missions in our Church, we pray that eventually we will have enough people to purchase land, build a proper Sanctuary, and be able to experience the fullness of the Orthodox Faith," explained Fr. Michael.

More information about the parish can be found on their website here.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese