Peace to you, dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
…We beseech to You, Lord: look down from heaven to this church. May this place be holy forever. Here, let the crimes of people be washed away by the stream of Divine grace. Here, let the old sinful man die, and may a new generation of Your children be born again to eternal life. Here, let Your congregation celebrate, gathering around the altar, the Easter mysteries, obtaining life in the Body and Blood of Christ. Let the sacrifice of praise be offered up here. Here, let the voices of people unite with the heavenly choirs. And, let the prayer for the salvation of the world always rise before Your face. Here, may the poor find mercy, the oppressed – freedom, and each person – the dignity of Your sonship, until we all enter the heavenly Jerusalem.
(Part of the prayer for the consecration of the church).
On the feast of Saint Stephen, our Bishop Vsevolod consecrated a new church building in Chita.
For about 20 years, our local Parish of the Holy Trinity has rented various premises and buildings. During that time, we moved from one building to another. This movement had a negative impact on the life of the parish and on mission work (as it is very difficult to invite people to church which doesn’t have a permanent address).
During the last several years, we have been conducting Divine Service in a small house we have rented in a suburb. But, about six months ago, we got an opportunity to rent a larger building.
This is a two-story house, which used to be a small hotel (if you have already imagined a beautiful European-style hotel, then take your time, because hotels in Chita look much, much simpler). 🙂
The building has a huge basement floor, as well as two more floors. On the ground floor there are several rooms (including fellowship hall and priest’s study). The hall for the Divine Service is located on the first floor, under the roof. The parishioners made a lot of repairs there. The hall for the Divine Service looks beautiful and very colorful, as is customary in Asia.
And so, last Sunday, Bishop Vsevolod consecrated this building. He was concelebrated by Father Igor (rector of the parish) and Deacon Roman, and Deacon Andrei (from the parish of Saint Mary in Tomsk).
Now we just rent this building, but there is the opportunity to buy it. And, if you have a possibility to help us with this, your help will be greatly appreciated.
And please pray for Father Igor and Deacon Roman and parishioners in Chita.
