December 18, 2012
Wayne, WV: Bp. George led the 10th Anniversary of Christ the Savior Church

On Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of December, the parishioners of Christ the Savior Church in Wayne, WV, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the founding of their parish. Located not far from Holy Cross Monastery, the parish serves the spiritual needs of the Orthodox faithful that have settled in West Virginia, wishing to be closer to the monastics. With the assignment of the new rector, Priest Jonah Campbell, in 2011, the parish experienced a growth surge, and many beautification projects were completed in the church. All the walls inside the church were adorned with new frescoes (printed by Damascene Gallery). Additionally, numerous panel icons were added, a church office was completed, the sacristies were painted, landscaping was done, and much more. These historic changes were made possible through the generosity of parishioners and friends of the parish, and completed in time for the celebration of the 10th anniversary.

The divine services were led by His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop George of Mayfield. His Grace was co-served by Abbot Seraphim (Voepel; deputy abbot of Holy Cross Monastery), Archpriest John Dixon (rector of Holy Spirit Antiochian Church in Huntington, WV), Archpriest John Moses (rector of All Saints of North American Church in Middlebrook, VA), Archpriest Mark Elliott (rector of St. George’s Greek Church in Huntington, WV), Hieromonk Andrew (O’Leary; cleric of Holy Cross Monastery), Hieromonk Cyprian (DuRant; cleric of St. Mary of Egypt OCA Church in Norcross, GA), Fr. Jonah, Priest Steven Webb (cleric of St. Nicholas Church in Fletcher, NC), and Deacon Jeremiah Davis (cleric of Holy Cross Monastery).

During the Little Entrance, with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, Bp. George awarded Fr. Jonah the purple skufia for his dedicated and selfless service to the parish.

Upon completed of the Liturgy, Bishop George delivered a sermon on the importance of fasting in spiritual life. His Grace then presented the parish with a diocesan Gramota in honor of the 10th anniversary and in recognition of the completed church beautification project. On behalf of Holy Cross Monastery, Bp. George presented the parish a set of embroidered red chalice covers.

Fr. Jonah expressed his sincere gratitude to Bishop George for his archpastoral care and love for the parish, and presented His Grace an icon of the image "Not Made by Hands." Fr. Jonah also presented small icons to the former rectors, neighboring clergy, and several parishioners who were instrumental in the construction and organization of the parish – Brendan and Bridget Thompson, Anita Hay, and Guy Fetty.

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