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Orthodox Mission Success at St. Andrews in Eustis, Florida!

Since we last shared our parish life with you, we have been blessed with some delightful changes. We have painted our front doors red and also survived Hurricane Ian with no real damage (one tree down in the garden).

We have had 11 chrismations, a baptism, and a multitude of catechism classes, including a new class starting soon with 8 inquirers. Future baptisms and chrismations are planned for the near future. Folks who are curious have corresponded regularly through Facebook posts and other social media posts and it seems most Sundays we have 2 or more visitors. Word is getting out!

Fr. Cassian has had some recent health issues that unfortunately lead to a hospital visit Good Friday through Easter. We thank God for our parishioners, including Subdeacon Joseph Hodge, who rallied to make the weekend a holy and beautiful Paschal celebration. Fr. Cassian was able to return to serve again a week later.

As the parish has begun to grow, so have contributions. We are still unable to meet our budget but we have been able to pay Fr Cassian a small and growing stipend in addition to what is contributed by Share the Faith Ministry. God bless you all for helping us as we look forward to continued growth.

– Kh Phyllis Dunlop

Pictures from St. Andrews below. Would you like to help needy Orthodox parishes like St. Andrews? Many Orthodox priests work long hours for little or no compensation. To support Share the Faith and Orthodox missions in general or missions in a specific Orthodox jurisdiction, click here. To donate specifically to help Fr. Cassian and St. Andrews, scroll down to donate.

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Interview with Fr. Cassian Dunlop of Eustis FL

Fr. Cassian was an Anglican priest before converting to Holy Orthodoxy. He serves a Western Rite Antiochian parish in Eustis Fl (near Orlando). His parish has been growing in high school students, college students, and young families after years of dependency on “snowbirds”.

In this interview with Share the Faith Chairman Lee Kopulos, Fr. Cassian gives us some surprising information on how the Western communion Host developed, and why so many people are finding their way to the Orthodox Church. For more information about Fr. Cassian, please visit his Share the Faith information page here.