Diocesan Life Spreading the Gospel in the Finger Lakes of New York Summer/Fall 2014
Many Christians today are seeking the first century Church. In the Lansing, NY area they are finding what they seek at Holy Apostles Church, a mission parish serving the Finger Lakes region of central New York. The Apostles and the first few generations of disciples gathered in each other’s homes to worship the risen Lord Jesus Christ. As these small communities grew, they began to erect beautiful churches and many newcomers flocked to them. This has been a model for the Orthodox Church for generations: several of the faithful come together, create worshipping communities, grow their presence in a place and become witnesses to Christ’s love to their neighbors. Holy Apostles Church is part of this tradition. What began as several friends yearning for a church of their own has blossomed into a community of some 40 members with its own dedicated (albeit rented) worship space, full education program and community outreach. In August of 2010, an unused Roman Catholic church began its makeover into an Orthodox temple. Two icon panels were placed by the altar to act as an iconostasis, and the people sang from books that were created by the mission planting parish of SS. Peter and Paul in Endicott, NY. In the almost three years since then, we have seen the placement of a full-time priest, Fr. John Worthington and many new faces coming to the divine services (and social events!).
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Through the sacrificial giving of its members and from supporters throughout the Diocese, funds were raised for an iconostasis. As an example of the faith and mutual love within this parish, the unfinished iconostasis was set up in Fr. James’ garage to be sanded and stained. Almost everyone from the parish (and some other friends) came out
to attend to the work. This was a true community effort, showing the love and support we have for one another. With the iconostasis placed into the sanctuary and some temporary icons affixed, we embarked on the next journey: raising more funds for new icons to place on the screen. Within a short amount of time, all of the icons were sponsored, and work has begun on the new icons. We see this project as an outgrowth of the faithfulness of the parishioners and the blessings of God on our mission parish. Daily Services to Our Lord The iconostasis is one visible manifestation of the beautiful spiritual community that is forming in Lansing. As part of our preparation for forming a new Orthodox community, we read in the Mission Planters Resource Kit: “For the Church to grow there are certain priorities, or prerequisites, that must be met. The first of these is not acquisition of new members. That comes later, and only if other spiritual conditions are met by the existing members. The first and most important priority is for each and every member to know God.” Therefore, since very early in this community’s life, services have been offered at least six days a week. In addition to Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy on the weekends, Morning Prayers are offered Tuesday through Friday. All of the major feast days are celebrated, as well as liturgies on as many namesdays as possible. During the seasons of increased devotion, the opportunities for gathering around the Lord’s table expand even further. This culminated recently in a very full Holy Week and Pascha schedule (which was heart-warmingly well attended). It is the belief of the missionary parishioners here that “liturgical services are not one of the ‘aspects’ of the Church; they express its very essence, are its breath, its heartbeat, its constant self-revelation,” as Fr. Alexander Schmemann has said.
