Metr. Ignacio to Consecrate First Antiochian Parish in Northern Mexico

ROSARITO, MEXICO — The Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Church in Rosarito, Baja California, will be consecrated November 6–9, marking a new milestone for the first Antiochian Orthodox parish established in northern Mexico.

The parish was established through cooperation between Metr. Ignacio (Samaan) of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of Mexico, Venezuela, Central America and the Caribbean; Project Mexico; and St. Innocent Orphanage. The church was designed by CJK Design Group of San Rafael, California, and constructed with a local Mexican building team.

The new parish grew out of more than three decades of ministry by Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage in the Tijuana-Rosarito region. As the community expanded, organizers sought a permanent church where former residents of the orphanage and local Orthodox faithful could worship beyond the orphanage grounds.

Nearly 200 parishioners and guests attended the church’s opening in November 2025, which included Great Vespers, an “Opening of the Church Doors” service, and a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Metr. Ignacio has emphasized the responsibility of the community to support the priest, grow the parish, and spread the Orthodox faith.

The consecration weekend will include services, a tour of Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage, a visit to the Guadalupe Valley, and a banquet. The consecration and Divine Liturgy are scheduled for November 8, followed by a luncheon. Registration for the event can be found here.

Fr. Demetrios Swanson said the establishment of the church was the result of prayers, financial support, and years of missionary work by Project Mexico and its volunteers.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Romanian Orthodox missions in Latin America received 50 new faithful.