Texas Parish Reports 55 Catechumens After Five Illuminations

ALLEN, TX — St. Sava Orthodox Church in Allen welcomed five people into the Orthodox Church on Sunday, September 6, according to a parish announcement. The newly illumined were identified as John, Lucia, Esther, Irene, and Gwen. The parish also reported that 55 catechumens are currently preparing to enter the Church.

The parish, which belongs to the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), attributed the recent growth to God’s grace, concluding its announcement with praise and a prayer for the newly illumined. The number of catechumens indicates that the recent receptions are part of a larger group of people undergoing preparation for baptism or reception into the Orthodox faith.

St. Sava has experienced several notable waves of conversions in recent months. Earlier this year, 33 people were received at the parish on Lazarus Saturday, followed by another 11 on Holy Saturday. The parish is led by Fr. Photius Avant and has become one of many rapidly growing Orthodox communities in the United States.

The history of the Allen parish dates to 1988, when Fr. Bogdan Djurdjulov established a community serving Allen, Plano, McKinney, Frisco, and surrounding areas. In December 2009, the parish purchased its present property and initially worshiped in a temporary mobile structure. A new church building was completed in 2021, while the former church building was converted for temporary use as a parish hall.

St. Sava is now conducting a capital campaign to construct a permanent parish hall. The latest report of five new members and 55 catechumens comes as the parish continues expanding both its membership and facilities. The developments highlight the growing demands being placed on the parish as increasing numbers of people seek instruction and entrance into the Orthodox Church.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Mississippi parish baptized 22 new members in a joyful celebration.