Parish News
News & Updates
Stories of faith, community, and God's grace at work in our parish family.
St Julia's Women's Book Club — All Are Welcome
A new ministry has been born at our parish — St Julia's Women's Book Club, established on July 16th, 2026, the feast day of the Virgin Martyr Julia. Open to all, this monthly gathering brings together those who love the Orthodox Faith and the written word.
Meeting Details
When
6:30 p.m. — Third Thursday of every month
Next Meeting
August 20, 2026
Location
427 South Broad Street
Griffith, Indiana 45619
Hosted at Cornelia Merchant's house on August 20th
Current Book
The Way of the Pilgrim
Translated by Nina A. Toumanova — a 19th century classic of Russian Orthodox spirituality. A wandering peasant chronicles his journey to learn how to "pray without ceasing." Available on Amazon; contact Megan Vander Laan for help finding a copy.
Our Patron Saint
The Virgin Martyr Julia
Commemorated on July 16
Born in Carthage into a Christian family, Saint Julia was captured by the Persians and sold into slavery. She faithfully served her master, preserved herself in purity, kept the fasts, and prayed much to God. When her master's ship stopped at Corsica during a pagan festival, Julia refused to take part. The savage pagans crucified her. An angel of the Lord reported her martyrdom to nearby monks, who buried her body in their monastery.
Pray for us, Holy Martyr Julia.
St Julia's Women's Book Club meets monthly to read and discuss books related to the Eastern Orthodox Faith — drawing closer to Christ through literature, fellowship, and conversation. Each gathering ends with a spiritually edifying podcast or short film. Bring your own coffee, tea, or a snack — and come ready to share.
Virtual attendance is welcome for those who cannot join in person. All are invited — men, women, and families of the parish and beyond.
Building the Tower of Babel — Genesis 11
This past Sunday, our Sunday School children brought one of the most memorable stories in all of Scripture to life — building their very own towers of Babel from cups and paper, just as the people of Shinar once tried to build a tower to the heavens.
Inspired by Genesis 11, the children worked in teams — stacking, balancing, and building — as they heard the story of how God scattered the nations and confused the languages of those who sought to reach the heavens through their own pride. The lesson: true greatness comes not from reaching up to God on our own terms, but from humbling ourselves before Him.
The room was filled with laughter, concentration, and the joy of learning the faith through hands-on activity. Parents joined in alongside their children, and the towers grew taller and taller — until, just like in the story, they eventually came tumbling down.
A very special thank-you to Megan Vander Laan for organizing this wonderful activity. Her creativity and dedication to our children's faith formation is a true gift to this parish.
Tower of Babel — Sunday School · June 28, 2026
The full class at work — towers rising across the table
Focused concentration — every cup counts
Two builders, one very tall tower
Building together — parent and child
Proud builder — the cross watches over
Families building together — the whole Sunday School community
Thank you, Megan Vander Laan, for bringing this story to life for our children.
A Community Comes Together After the June 11th Tornado
On June 11th, 2026, a tornado passed directly over our church and parish house, leaving significant damage in its wake. Through the grace of God and the generosity of our neighbors, we have witnessed an outpouring of support that has deeply moved our entire parish family.
The Damage
The tornado struck our property with considerable force. The parish house bore the brunt of the storm — multiple large trees fell directly onto the structure, and one tree impaled the roof, causing serious damage. The church building itself fared somewhat better, but sustained tree damage throughout the grounds.
In the days that followed, our priest Fr. Daniel Radu and dedicated church volunteers worked tirelessly to begin the cleanup, clearing debris and assessing the full extent of the damage. Their efforts have been a true testament to the spirit of our parish community.
Storm Damage — June 11th, 2026
Parking lot debris — tractor beginning cleanup
Large tree uprooted on the church grounds
Tree against the church — cross standing above
Parish house — tree impaled through the roof
Trees on the parish house roof
Parish house roof buried under fallen trees
Trees down across the parking lot
Extensive tree coverage on the parish house roof
Lutheran Church Charities Trinity Crown Point — A Blessing Beyond Words
On June 19th, 2026, a remarkable group of volunteers from Lutheran Church Charities Trinity Crown Point arrived at our church and gave us one of the most generous gifts we have ever received — their time, their labor, and their hearts.
For nine full hours, these extraordinary volunteers worked without stopping, clearing trees, removing debris, and restoring our grounds. They asked for nothing in return. Their work was a pure act of Christian love and neighborly kindness that moved our entire parish to tears of gratitude.
We are humbled and deeply grateful. What they accomplished in a single day would have taken our small community weeks to complete on our own. Their generosity is a shining example of faith in action.
Volunteer Cleanup — June 19th, 2026
The full crew tackling the storm debris — nine hours of hard work
Boom lift work alongside the church building
Carefully lowering a large damaged limb by rope
Full crew with equipment in the parking lot
Clearing trees from the parish house roof
Fr. Daniel with the Lutheran Church Charities Trinity Crown Point team
June 19, 2026 — after nine hours of selfless service
A Keepsake to Remember
Each volunteer signed a slice of wood from one of the fallen trees — a beautiful reminder of the day faith and community came together. It now hangs in our parish as a permanent reminder of their generosity.
Faith Does Not Stop — Divine Liturgy in the Vestibule
On June 13th, 2026 — just two days after the tornado — our parish was still without power. The church doors could not be opened as they normally would. But nothing stops the Orthodox from celebrating the Divine Liturgy.
Fr. Daniel Radu set up the altar in the vestibule of the church, and our faithful gathered around him. With candles lit, the chalice prepared, and voices raised in prayer, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in full — a powerful testament to the unbreakable spirit of our parish family. No storm, no darkness, no hardship can silence the worship of God.
Divine Liturgy in the Vestibule — June 13th, 2026
The congregation gathers around the altar in the vestibule — June 13th, 2026
Parishioners gathered in prayer around the makeshift altar
Fr. Daniel at the altar — the golden vessels ready for the Eucharist
Holy Communion distributed — faith unbroken by the storm
Support Lutheran Church Charities Trinity Crown Point
In gratitude for their extraordinary generosity, we are asking our parish family and all who are moved by this story to open their hearts. Please donate through our giving page and include "Lutheran Church Charities" in the memo — 100% of funds collected will go directly to Lutheran Church Charities Trinity Crown Point as a token of our deep appreciation.
Donate NowWhen donating, please write "Lutheran Church Charities" in the memo field.