A couple of years ago, I was part of a few friends and family members that got together to research the idea of creating an Orthodox Mission for the west side and Downriver (not to be confused with west side and north where there are several ethnic Orthodox parishes already). We actually started this Mission with the idea of keeping everything English (not much, if any, Russian, Arabic, Greek, or any other languages), but to keep as much of the culture as possible (especially for our many kids ranging from toddlers to teens).
As we were starting this project, we discovered an Orthodox church in Windsor, Ontario that was closed up about 3 1/2 years earlier, and since that was the church that my grandfather (who was a priest) served at for most of his life, and is where my mother grew up, we re-focused the mission to reopen that building and start a community there first.
We actually had our first Divine Liturgy there on Christmas Day a couple of years ago (with no heat), and kept working at it to a climax last September when Archbishop Seraphim came to celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the parish. We baptized a child, witnessed a young man converting to Orthodoxy, and I was ordained a Sub-Deacon all in that one day (before breakfast). The Archbishop was so impressed with our work there that he allowed a dialog with a deacon who was serving in Detroit, and on New Year's Day, this deacon was ordained to the priesthood, and Fr. Dean Katsilas is now attached to the Windsor church, which is now a Full Time operation, again. Since they are on their feet, our mission has been deemed Successful and Complete.
We are now in the process of grouping everyone back to Dearborn and Downriver. We found a priest who has his own parish in Ann Arbor and will guide us, and be there for us as much as he can. We started looking for some kind of small simple (CHEAP/FREE) place (a room, hall, banquet room, chapel, or something) in a central location, to have Reader's Services on Sundays (as we grow), and we will also have a Divine Liturgy at least once a month. This won't be a big fancy church building, but will have a sincere Orthodox flavor - something small and simple - someplace for everyone to gather.
Just completing a similar project, I can tell you that it is an awesome feeling as you get to know other Orthodox people that are doing this with you. We start talking and bonding and finding things to do together, not to mention how great it is for our kids to have friends in this community setting, and even a few families that are not yet Orthodox but are interested in learning and growing with us.
The hardest job for me is to identify and invite people who may wish to join us and be part of our Mission Core Group. Orthodoxy has been in the Detroit area for 100 years now, and there are many families who have settled downriver. Everyone is welcome.
It doesn't take much money either - OR NONE IF YOU PREFER! - It's not about the money. It is an opportunity to develop a new community full of love and friendship all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and our special way to celebrate His life.
I was hoping that maybe you and your family would come and check us out, and consider being a part of our little Orthodox community? I am sure that you have talents that would help us succeed. If you have family members or friends that might be interested in what we are doing, would you please tell them about us, too? We are trying to develop something valuable for you as part of our people, and are talking to everyone we can. This really is a great thing.
I hope that I am not putting too much pressure on anyone. I just get really excited about this stuff which creates some urgency to find people, a place to gather, some religious items, and general support.
If you have any questions, Fr Gregory Joyce and/or I would be happy to take a call or meet with you anytime that would be convenient. It is important that you feel comfortable with this.
Sub-Deacon Michael Boyar
Orthodoxy in America
