Kernersville, North Carolina, October 24, 2024
Photo: holycrossoca.org
Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Kernersville, North Carolina, celebrated a historic milestone on September 21, 2024, as His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth, vicar of the Diocese of the South, consecrated its own church building in a four-hour service.
The consecration marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2005 when a small group of families first established the mission to serve the Piedmont Triad area with English-language Orthodox services.
During the solemn ceremony, the altar table was consecrated with the sealing of holy relics of the American saint, Hieromartyr Basil (Vasily) Martysz, followed by a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, the church reports.
The occasion also included the elevation of Deacon George to Protodeacon and the tonsuring of two new readers. In recognition of the parish’s achievement, Fr. Christopher Foley and the Holy Cross community received a Synodal Gramota, with special recognition given to the Building Committee members for their years of dedicated service.
Photo: holycrossoca.org
From its humble beginnings with 25 people meeting in borrowed spaces, including an Episcopal church in Kernersville and later a Presbyterian fellowship hall in High Point, the parish has grown to more than 100 regular attendees.
The new church building, located at 1320 Masten Drive in Kernersville, was strategically chosen for its central location serving the communities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. While some elements of the new church are still under construction, the parish conducts all services in its permanent home.
The consecration celebrations concluded with a festive banquet where parishioners and clergy shared memories of the parish’s history and building project.
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