St. Anthony the Great Mission in Hendersonville Baptizes Seventeen Catechumens!

January 7, 2026, St. Anthony the Great Mission, Hendersonville, NC – The current space constraints at St. Anthony the Great Mission parish were not able to prevent the enthusiasm of seventeen Catechumens. Spread out over three Sundays in November, the parish joyfully welcomed these Catechumens into the fold of Holy Orthodoxy! Please remember in your prayers the newly-illumined: Melangell, Julianna, Basil, Joannicius, Amos, Eleni, Zechariah, Anna, James, Mary, George, Katherine, Theodore, Gabriel, Marina, Christophorus, Benedicta (and their faithful sponsors)!

With humble hearts, Saint Anthony the Great mission has seen tremendous growth over the last few years. Routinely, the parish averages 50-60 attendees at Divine Liturgy – well over the recommended space limits for the small rental space. The mission is blessed with over 20 children at services, and their jubilant voices are cherished by the faithful as the children match the choir of the angels who glorify God!

With the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory, the mission has entered into a contract to purchase an existing church building in the local community. This new building will allow our church family to welcome and accommodate many more who come through our doors so that they, too, can experience the love of our God.

With all Glory belonging to God for His providence, the purchase of a church building is a great accomplishment for the mission. Nearly seven years ago, when Saint Anthony the Great mission first began, they had very little: literally an Antimension, a Gospel, one set of vestments, and a few icons. Through God’s mercy, the beloved Orthodox faithful around the world graciously supported the Mission. This love was shown by sending essential sacramentals, praying for the parish, and encouraging them. Your support throughout these seven years has allowed them to grow into a church family that welcomes everyone through their doors, fulfilling what St. Paul writes to the Hebrews: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (13:2). 

St. Anthony the Great Mission understands that purchasing (and financing) a new church building will take much hard work and sacrifice from their church family. With this in mind, the parish and faithful ask you, their beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, to remember the leadership and growing church family of Saint Anthony the Great in your prayers and your financial support as they make this transition. With joy, St. Anthony’s invites you all to come and visit them in Western North Carolina and to see the fruits of your prayer and generosity. Glory to God for all things!