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MIDVALE — The regional leader of the Greek Orthodox Church said he was pleased with the growth of the church during his first visit to a newly formed parish.
His Eminence, Metropolitan Isaiah compared the Greek Orthodox Mission Parish of Utah to early congregations who met in homes or borrowed spaces nearly 2,000 years ago when the church was formed.
The new parish is a "testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit," Metropolitan Isaiah said in his sermon Sunday when he celebrated the divine liturgy.
The Holy Spirit "has brought all of you here," he said.
Metropolitan Isaiah is the head of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver that includes 12 states and the western portions of two others.
“I have very, very high hopes, and I feel blessed today that I am with you because I see a fantastic Orthodox Christian community coming forward and showing that the church of Christ is not dead, but we are still … starting new parishes in our wonderful country,” he said.
The parish formed in late August under the Metropolis of Denver with a "different vision of orthodoxy" than the original Salt Lake parish, parishioner Bill Souvall said at the time. The split followed a history of disputes in the Salt Lake Greek Orthodox community regarding the direction of the parish.
Representatives from the Greek Orthodox Mission Parish of Utah said they are "looking forward only in a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation," according to Charles Karpakis, parish council vice chairman. "We've found peace here, and there's really not a source for conflict."
The parish serves about 250 people and has 110 families who are contributing members.
"That's a really good start. That's not a fledgling mission parish by any means," Karpakis said.
The Greek Orthodox Mission Parish currently meets at a temporary location at The Woods on Ninth, 6775 S. 900 East. Its budget for the coming year will allow the parish to hire a full-time priest and move to a full-time interim facility.
Metropolitan Isaiah's visit Sunday "really solidifies our parish," Karpakis said. "He's pleased with the progress he's seen. He's heard a lot about it from the priests he's assigned to us, and the fact that he would come here and see it himself and take joy in what we've done means a lot to us."
Contributing: Peter Samore Email: wevans@deseretnews.com Twitter: whitevs7
