St. Barnabas Unveils Vision for New Worship and Community Facilities

Photo: stbarnabasorthodox.org

SUNBURY, OH — St. Barnabas the Apostle Orthodox Church has launched a major campaign to build a new church and parish complex as continued growth has left its current facilities unable to accommodate the congregation’s needs.

The Antiochian Orthodox parish, which serves Sunbury, the northern Columbus region, and surrounding counties, purchased a parcel of land about six miles east of its current location in late 2023. Parish leaders said the acquisition followed years of growth and was made possible through strong support from parishioners. The property was identified on Aug. 14, the feast associated with the “Conversational” Icon of the Mother of God, an image traditionally linked to church construction and restoration.

The project will be completed in two phases. The first phase includes site preparation and construction of a 12,000-square-foot parish center featuring a temporary chapel, fellowship hall, kitchen, classrooms, and meeting spaces. The facility is intended to support worship, education, and parish ministries while preparations continue for the permanent church.

Phase II calls for the construction of a traditional cruciform Orthodox church capable of accommodating 300 worshippers. Plans also include an expanded fellowship hall, additional classrooms, a library, bookstore, courtyard, and covered walkways connecting the buildings. The total footprint of the completed project is expected to exceed 20,000 square feet.

Parish leaders estimate the full cost at approximately $7 million and have established several giving programs to support the effort. Donations can be made here or by emailing the treasurer at accounting@stbarnabasorthodox.org. Checks can be mailed (with "Building Fund" in the memo field) to St. Barnabas Orthodox Church, PO Box 31, Sunbury, OH, 43074. Parish leaders say the expansion is intended not only to meet current needs but also to strengthen the parish’s outreach and mission for future generations.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Holy Virgin Cathedral purchased a new building across from its Richmond District site.

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