The Naming

How can I as a mission priest ever forget the man who stood in the back of the Church and asked, "Why did I have to wait nearly sixty years to hear about the Orthodox Church? Why didn't someone tell me about this when I was younger?"

We firmly believe that everyone who walks through our doors is a gift to us for our salvation. We pray we can be a gift to them as well. This is a place where broken relationships are being healed. We tell people, "Don't be fooled by the beautiful music, vestments, and services! You are standing in the ER (Emergency Room) in the Narthex. When you move into the Nave you have entered the OR (Operating Room). God is the divine surgeon here, and the ER and OR are messy places! Healing in the Church has always been very messy business. Welcome to the hospital of God!"

Rev. David Rucker, rector St. Athanasius Church Nicholasville, KY