Small Vermont Gathering Grows into Official Mission
Photo: caledonianrecord.com
ST. JOHNSBURY, VT — The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) has granted provisional mission status to a small Orthodox community in St. Johnsbury, placing it under the heavenly protection of St. Olga of Kwethluk. The decision was made February 20 by Bp. Benedict of New England, according to the official OCA website.
The mission, currently meeting at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, has around two dozen regular members and is led by Fr. Ambrose Powell of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Claremont, New Hampshire. It is one of three OCA communities in Vermont, reflecting gradual growth in the region.
The community traces its beginnings to 2011, when a handful of faithful began gathering for Readers’ Vespers in a private home. Over time, additional families joined, forming a small choir and regular fellowship. By early 2026, the group had grown sufficiently to move into a rented space, marking a new chapter in its development.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Bsp. Vasily announced mission reorganization and a new church plant in Idaho.
Read also
Abp. Alexei Delivers Lenten Homily in Anchorage
A Lenten homily in Alaska called the faithful back to patient, step-by-step transformation in Christ.
Albania Census Shows Muslims No Longer Majority
For the first time in centuries, Albania’s Muslim majority has slipped below half amid shifting religious trends.
Small Vermont Gathering Grows into Official Mission
A once-small home gathering in Vermont has grown into an official mission under St. Olga of Alaska’s protection.
Lenten Retreat Honors Legacy of Fr. Seraphim Rose
A packed Lenten retreat in San Francisco revisited the life and lasting spiritual influence of Fr. Seraphim Rose.
Metr. Tikhon Reflects on the Annunciation and the New Creation
Metr. Tikhon celebrated the Annunciation as the moment the Theotokos reshaped the world through her “let it be.”
Holy Cross Monastery's New Church Receives Crosses and Cupolas
After years of setbacks, gleaming crosses now rise above Holy Cross Monastery’s new church.