Diocese of Toledo News Archive

Many images have been added to Bishop MARK's collection of photographs from his pilgrimage to Russia in August 2008.

Please stop by and take a look!

Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission

Bowling Green, KY

Holy Apostles Mission is a new mission of the North American Antiochian Archdiocese, in the Midwest Diocese under Bishop MARK of Toledo, and under the immediate direction of the Very Rev. Dr. Alexander Atty of St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in Louisville, KY.  The mission's congregation, which currently consists of Americans, Greeks, Serbians, Egyptians, and a growing compilation of other ethnicities, first began working toward a mission in the spring of 2008, with a small group of diverse and dedicated Orthodox Christians who long to see Holy Orthodoxy brought to southern Kentucky. Holy Apostles held its first Vespers service in April 2008, and celebrated its first Liturgy in June, the first Divine Liturgy ever to be held in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It received the name Holy Apostles from Bishop MARK in July.

During his August 2008 pilgrimage to Russia, Bishop MARK and a group of pilgrims visited St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church, the Moscow Representation of the Orthodox Church in America.

St. Elias Orthodox Church

LaCrosse, Wisconsin

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Founded by St. Raphael of Brooklyn in the early 1900’s, St. Elias Orthodox Church in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, is a parish renewing, rebuilding, and seeking to grow as vital Orthodox community in the scenic “God’s country” of southwestern Wisconsin.

Originally a parish comprised of immigrants from the Middle East and Greece the community, which went without a resident Priest for decades, was reborn in the 1970’s through the care and devotion of Orthodox Christians who desired to see the Faith reestablished where three rivers meet and over 100,000 people work and live.

While we cherish our heritage and the distinct honor of being founded by a Saint of the Church we believe the best expression of that heritage is to be a living, thriving, and life giving Orthodox Church. To that end we are currently repairing and expanding our facilities and seeking, as well, to grow in our Faith in preparation for inviting our friends and neighbors to experience the joy and life of Orthodoxy.

Registration deadline October 9^th!

The 2008 Orthodox Institute, sponsored by the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Christian Education, will take place at Antiochian Village near Ligonier, PA from October 30 - November 2.  This year's theme is "Faith Through Stories." Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Maria Khoury, author of the "Christina" series of children's books, who will be traveling from the Holy Land to join us. Dr. Khoury will address ways to build our children's faith and also discuss the challenges facing Christians in the Holy Land today.

The Orthodox Institute appeals not only to those involved in the church school, but anyone who wishes to increase his or her knowledge of the Orthodox faith. A special certificate will be given to those taking the following courses: "Sacred Stories of Our Salvation" "Discernment for Secular Stories" and "Storytelling Through Hymnography." In addition, certificates will be offered in the Church School Director and Teacher Training tracks.

On Saturday, August 30, 2008, group of 20 pilgrims, led by His Grace, Bishop MARK of Toledo and the Midwest of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America visited St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church – the Moscow Representation of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA).

Read the entire article and see more pictures at St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church's web site.

View more photos of Bishop MARK at St. Catherine's.

St. Raphael Antiochian Orthodox Mission

Iowa City, IA

Since our beginning in 2002, God has blessed our mission with “growth” in multiple senses of the word.  From an initial handful, our group has grown to include a roster of about 100, with Sunday liturgy attendance averaging 50-60. A large percentage of us are children.  Our members include “cradle” Orthodox and converts, representing many nationalities including Syrians, Russians, Ukrainians, Romanians, Greeks, Lebanese, Georgians and Americans, all worshipping together in English. We usually have a group of catechumens and several inquirers.  We are blessed to be truly pan-Orthodox!

Whether you live in Iowa City or elsewhere, we invite you to share in our life of prayer and worship and the building of this church.  If you live far away, you can participate through your prayers and donations, both to our mission and to missions across the archdiocese. We benefit every time you pray for us and commemorate us in the liturgy. And of course, we would welcome you with open arms if you ever happen to pass through our community!

The Fall Gathering of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest will focus on ministering to our teens and college students. His Eminence Metropolitan ISAIAH, SCOBA Overseer of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and Fr. Kevin Scherer, Executive Director of OCF, will be present for the dedication of the new OCF offices in Indianapolis.

For more information please see the attached flyer.

His Grace Bishop MARK sends his appreciation for the outpouring of prayer and support during his father's illness and repose.

On June 30, His Grace writes:

First of all I want to thank the V Rev John Winfrey for the wonderful job St George of Grand Rapids, MI did in hosting this year’s Parish Life Conference. I trust we all had an enjoyable time of fellowship, enlightenment and spiritual renewal.

Second, let us offer our prayers for the newly departed servant of God, the V Rev Fr David Lynch. MEMORY ETERNAL. More information is available here.

Please join me in praying a rope for our brother and concelebrant, The Archpriest David, saying, "O Lord Jesus Christ, grant rest to the soul of Thy departed servant." May his memory be eternal and may you be granted long life.

Your unworthy father in Christ,

+MARK

John Maymon, father of our Bishop MARK, passed away this morning, Thursday June 19, 2008, at 8:15 AM, after a prolonged illness. Please keep Bishop MARK, his mother and his siblings in your prayers.

Arrangements are as follows:

The 61st Annual Midwest Parish Life Conference, hosted by St. George, Grand Rapids, will be held June 25 to June 29, 2008 at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

Download Registration

Download Adult Schedule

Download Teens' Schedule

Download Youth Schedule

Download High School Graduates Invitation

Download Souvenir Journal Information

Hosted by St. George Cathedral in Toledo, the 2007 Fall Gathering will focus on the vision of our North American Saints.

All required forms are available below.

Below are photos from the Myrrh Streaming Icons of All Saints in Bloomington, IN and St. George, Indianapolis, IN. These photos were taken after the Sunday Liturgy August 5, 2007 when the icon of the Platytera began to exude Myrrh.