I began my Orthodox ministry in Knoxville, TN, with the planting of St. Anne Orthodox Church. We grew from a handful of people meeting in a home, then a warehouse, then a storefront, to a small building. That beginning was 26 years ago. The landscape of Orthodox across America and the South has changed dramatically in those years. Twenty-six years ago, we struggled to pay the rent. Today, we struggle to find room for the crowds that continue to show up each week. St. Anne is taking a huge step forward. We have found (and purchased) a new location and have begun our fundraising for a newly designed temple.
For the past 18 years, I have maintained the work of this blog, and other writings. The conversations within the comments alone would have justified this ministry (there have been nearly 100,000 comments over the years). Nevertheless, through all the years, the parish of St. Anne has been my first and primary love. It has been the place of my Orthodox life. My writing would be impossible without it.
I am sharing this video with my readers (please share it with others). I am reaching out to ask for your prayers, and, in your generosity, your financial help for this important work of the Church. The video also give a short look at the work that takes place in our parish – probably a lot like your own. Fr. Daniel Greeson, the current Rector, is doing a marvelous job in his leadership. I enjoy my retirement (I am now “pastor emeritus”) and help out as needed. However, I use my additional time and freedom in this work of writing and speaking.
Thank you for years’ of readership. Please help if you can – and pray if you will!
Fr. Stephen
You can donate at this link:
https://www.stanneorthodoxchurch.com/buildingcampaign
If you want to mail a donation (please indicate “building fund”), here is the address:
St. Anne Orthodox Church
560 Oak Ridge Turnpike,
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
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