Colorado Parishes See Surging Growth, Launch Expansion Plans

Fr. Andreas Blom, rector at Holy Theophany, presents the parish's strategic plan. Photo: theophany.org

COLORADO SPRINGS — Two Orthodox Church in America (OCA) parishes are experiencing rapid growth, with Holy Theophany and its recently established sister parish, St. John the Baptist, welcoming more than 80 new members this year and approaching 100 catechumens. The expansion follows the 2024–2025 surge that led to the construction and February consecration of St. John’s by His Beatitude Met. Tikhon.

As reported by Orthodox Christianity — with reference to Fr. Andreas Blom's address at the parish's annual meeting — Holy Theophany is again filled beyond capacity, often leaving dozens standing outside on Sunday mornings despite the new building. New catechumens have been added almost weekly throughout 2025.

To meet pastoral needs and accommodate growth, parish leaders unveiled a joint Strategic Plan covering the next two to five years. Immediate goals include completing the transition of St. John’s into a fully self-supporting parish, hiring a full-time assistant priest, training future clergy, and establishing a new cemetery. Longer-range plans call for purchasing land for Holy Theophany’s expansion and planting additional missions in the Colorado Springs area.

Five new Orthodox Christians were baptized by Fr. Andreas in October. Photo: theophany.org

The community will also host the 2026 Diocesan Assembly next October.

Fr. Andreas and Fr. Anthony Machnee emphasized gratitude for the volunteerism and stewardship driving the parishes’ growth, noting that both communities continue to exemplify hospitality, generosity, and commitment to parish life.

Previously, UOJ reported that Bishop Vasily of San Francisco and the West had announced a mission reorganization and new church plant in Idaho.

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