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Welcome to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church's website!

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We have now entered into the Church New Year (Sept. 1) and come to the first two major Feast days of the year: The Nativity (Birth) of the Theotokos (Sept. 8), and the Elevation/Exaltation of the Cross (Sept. 14). "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me...to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord" (Lk. 4:18, 19; see Isa. 61:1-2).

The time of this age is renewed beginning with the birth of the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary. As St. Gregory Palamas puts it, through her alone - the Virgin Mary - the Creator enters into our world, that is, Christ Jesus the Savior is born in the flesh. The birth of the Theotokos is the renovation of our hope of eternal life in that she was completely devoted to God and pure in her virginal desire for God. She actualizes the possibility found in each of us for a life of faith and love toward God. She will give birth to the Son of God for our salvation; we bear the Son of God within our persons to work out our salvation, the ultimate goal of this life. Our time here has this purpose and meaning.

The Elevation of the Cross demonstrates the power of the Cross throughout our lives. It is the instrument of our salvation and ongoing expression of the grace of God in Christ Jesus who was crucified and raised from the dead for our justification. Historically, this Feast recalls the finding of the true Cross in the rubble of Jerusalem, the holy city having been given over to paganism. Spiritually, this Feast witnesses the hidden working of God in the victory of faith despite the set-backs and seeming defeats of this world. If we accept the just desserts of our own sins and persevere in repentance and patience, God will vindicate His faithful. The Resurrection will triumph over the suffering of the Cross. This is the experience of the faithful in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you are interested in the Orthodox Faith, we welcome you to come and meet with us and pick up many interesting and informative pamplets that are available for you! If you should have any questions please feel free to call me at the Church at (330) 372-3895.

Thank you for visiting our website and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Fr. Jonathan

Weather Policy

During times of inclement weather, especially snow and ice, we do not cancel services scheduled at St. John's. Use your best judgment as to whether or not you can travel from and to your home to attend.