Bp. Spyridon Breaks Ground on New Ann Arbor Church

ANN ARBOR, MI — Bp. Spyridon of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia's (ROCOR) Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America led divine services at St. Vladimir Parish in Ann Arbor Aug. 29-30, concluding a tour of southern Michigan that included the 115th anniversary celebration of St. George Parish in Michigan City. During his first visit to the Ann Arbor community, Bp. Spyridon also broke ground for the parish’s new church.

The Bishop arrived during the All-Night Vigil on Aug. 29 after traveling from Michigan City, where he had celebrated the Divine Liturgy and attended the anniversary banquet. Following the Vigil, clergy and parishioners gathered at the home of the assistant starosta, or elder, which houses a private museum dedicated to the Russian Legion sent to the Western Front during World War I by St. Tsar Nicholas II.

On Sunday, despite rainy weather, the parish church was filled for Divine Liturgy, with children in traditional dress welcoming Bp. Spyridon. Following the consecration of the Holy Gifts, Sbdn. Artemii Laukaitis was ordained to the diaconate for service at Holy Mother of God Parish in Georgetown, Texas. The parish choir, directed by Julia Easson, provided the responses, while most of those present received Holy Communion from three chalices.

After the Liturgy, the St. Xenia Sisterhood hosted a meal in honor of the Bishop’s visit. When the rain subsided, clergy and faithful gathered for a Moleben before Every Good Work before processing approximately 200 yards to the site of the future church. There, Bp. Spyridon broke ground for the new building and blessed its 75-by-75-foot footprint with Holy Water.

The parish’s plans for the new church and hall had received approval from the local Planning Commission only days before the bishop’s visit. Parish leaders asked for prayers for the successful completion of the project and appealed for financial assistance, noting that donations would help cover construction costs.

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. George Church in Michigan City celebrated its 115th anniversary.