This past Sunday, we recognized the members of our parish who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Happy Veterans’ Day!

St. Innocent’s men of the church gathered for food, fellowship, and a little retreat.

Our youth group and parents gathered to discuss upcoming events for the next year. After the meeting, we enjoyed pizza together.

Our Men’s Fellowship enjoyed a great time together at Big Indian Paintball on Saturday, the 23rd — a day of fun, camaraderie, and brotherhood in Christ.

Our community celebrated the Dormition of the Theotokos, remembering her falling asleep in the Lord and her place in eternal life.

St. Innocent ladies met up for "Tacos and Trivia" at The Society Garden in Macon! We had a great turnout and look forward to more Ladies Fellowship events.

On the feast of the Holy Prophet Elijah, known for riding the fiery chariot and serving as the patron of travelers, it is an Orthodox tradition to bless vehicles. After the Divine Liturgy, we blessed cars, trucks, and bikes, seeking God’s protection for all your journeys through the prayers of St. Elijah.

The Orthodox Church in America held its 21st All-American Council, where Fr. Theophan and Nicole Thomae represented as delegates. Diane Dorogy is a member of the Audit Committee for the OCA. Along with the buisness of the council there were a lot of connections made with peopole we rarly see. 

On Saturday, May 24th, we gathered at The Walk at Sandy Run for a refreshing morning in God’s creation. After a peaceful nature walk, we shared in Scripture reading, prayers, and a reflection on the Saint of the Day. Everyone enjoyed their picnic lunches and time spent in fellowship. It was a beautiful day of faith, friendship, and fresh air — thank you to all the teens and families who joined us! ☀️🍃🧺

Sometimes, the men of the parish get together for fellowship and the occasional beer. 

Glory to God for all things!
On this radiant Feast of Pentecost, our parish was blessed to welcome the McKoon family and Anthony Gomez into the Church through Holy Baptism! 🌿💧🔥

The Divine Liturgy was filled with beauty, joy, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. We concluded with the powerful Kneeling Prayers, as the Church bows once more after Pascha, calling on the Spirit to dwell within us.

May God grant the newly illumined many years!
#Pentecost #OrthodoxChurch #Baptism #HolySpirit #KneelingPrayers #ManyYears

Our volunteers had a great time supporting Backpack Buddies in their mission to ensure kids have enough food over the weekend. Together, we packed over 300 bags, each providing a child with two days’ worth of meals. If you couldn’t make it this time, don’t worry—we’ll be doing it again when school starts back up!

🕊️ Agape Vespers | The Joy of Pascha Continues! ✝️

On this radiant day of Pascha, we gather again for Agape Vespers, the service of love. The Gospel is proclaimed in many languages — a beautiful reminder that Christ’s Resurrection is for all people, everywhere. 🌍🔥

The Church is filled with joy, light, and unity as we greet each other with the triumphant words:

“Christ is Risen!” | “Indeed He is Risen!”

We then celebrate with food, fellowship, fun for all ages, and even a visit from the Pascha bunny!

🌅 Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! 

Pascha — the Feast of Feasts — The tomb is empty, death is defeated, and the light of the Resurrection shines in every heart.

In the Orthodox Church, Pascha isn't just a day — it's the ultimate celebration of life, love, and victory over death. We rejoice with hymns, candles, and the joyful proclamation:

"Χριστός Ανέστη! Ἀληθῶς Ἀνέστη!"
"Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!"

May the light of the Resurrection fill your soul with peace, hope, and unshakable joy. 

📿 Holy Week in the Orthodox Church 🕊️

Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Orthodox Christian calendar. During it, we walk with Christ through His Passion—from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the Cross and ultimately, the glory of the Resurrection.

Each day holds deep spiritual meaning, rich with prayer, reflection, and liturgical beauty. It's a journey of sorrow, hope, death, and life that leads us to Pascha—the feast of feasts.

A beautiful day filled with Chrismations, a joyful Divine Liturgy, and a church overflowing with love and light.
Hosanna in the highest! ✨🌿

After completing the forty-day fast, we celebrated a memorable Lazarus Saturday that began with the baptism of Paul, followed by the Festal Divine Liturgy. We then enjoyed our Palm and Pancake event, which featured willows and waffles. The children had a great time, and the church was beautifully adorned for Palm Sunday.

We were blessed to host a Lenten Retreat, joined by Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. The day was filled with learning, reflection, and fellowship, culminating in Great Vespers at 4:30 pm, where Fr. Theodore Ehmer gave the homily. 

Throughout the retreat, Dr. Tibbs delivered three insightful and engaging presentations:

1. "The Church: A Forest and a Single Tree" – Dr. Tibbs beautifully illustrated the unity in our worship practices and why we hold them dear.
2. "Great Lent: A New Hope" – The significance of the Annunciation and the profound beauty of the Akathist Hymn were explored, offering fresh perspectives on this sacred season.
3. "Seeing the Gospel"– Attendees were captivated by the rich symbolism of icons depicting Holy Week and Pascha, reflecting the God who reveals Himself to us.

We are grateful for the opportunity to have shared this enlightening and inspiring day with everyone who attended. Thank you to all who participated and made this retreat a meaningful and memorable experience.

Welcome to the Body of Christ! 

On Wednesday, February 19th, Fr. Theophan was elevated to the rank of Archpriest at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas, TX. In the OCA, this "award" is typical for a priest who has served for 15 years.  During the small entrance at the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Gerasim prayed: O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who hast graciously bestowed upon our race the Priesthood, and hast endued us with the grace of this gift and honor, and hast appointed us devout and able to order the members of the Priesthood and the other servitors of Thy Mysteries in lesser degrees: Do Thou Thyself now endue also with Thy grace, our brother and my son, the Priest Theophan, and adorn him with Thine integrity, that he may stand at the head of the Priests of Thy people, being a good example to those who are under him. Grant him to attain in goodness unto old age with devotion and propriety, and have mercy upon us all in that Thou art good. For Thou art the Bestower of wisdom, and all creation hymneth Thee unto ages of ages.

The church is beautifully adorned on the rare snow occasion in Middle Georgia. 

As is our tradition, we blessed the Ocmulgee River on the Sunday after Theophany, 2025.

On Sunday, January 5th we celebrated the eve of Theophan with Vespers and the indoor Great Blessing of the Waters!

When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan / the worship of the Trinity was made manifest / for the voice of the Father bore witness to You / and called You His beloved Son. / And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, / confirmed the truthfulness of His word. / O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself / and have enlightened the world, glory to You!