May 31, 2009
Tidewater, VA: 20th anniversary of St. Joseph of Optina Church

On May 30th and 31th, St. Joseph of Optina Church in Tidewater, VA celebrated its 20th anniversary as an Orthodox Mission, its 15th year as a Church Abroad Mission, and parish feastday in the St. Theodore Chapel at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk, Virginia.  An all-night vigil to St. Joseph of Optina, which was recently commissioned by the parish and composed by Brother Isaac Lambertson, was served along with the Divine Liturgy. In the center of the church lay the icon of St. Joseph, which was hand-painted in Optina. The Divine services, which were celebrated by rector Archpriest Seraphim Stephens, were adorned with prayerful singing by the parish choir. After the Liturgy, a festive luncheon was held.

      Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese