In
the mid 80's, while blessing homes of parishioners in Inverness,
Father Philip Reese of St. Andrew Orthodox Church in New Port Richey,
approached the priest, Father Desmond Gill, of Our Lady of Fatima
Roman Catholic church to see if the church would rent space to his
parishioners for Liturgy. Father Gill allowed them to use the chapel
and then a classroom for whatever donation they wished to make. About
15 members attended Liturgy one Saturday a month and thus the
Orthodox Mission Station in Inverness became active. When Father
Reese was transferred, Father Raphael Rozdilski continued to service
the group until his passing. Services continued under Father Mark
Stevens who was the new priest appointed to St. Andrew's in nearby
Orlando. He encouraged us in our quest to become an O.C.A. Orthodox
Mission. During this period we were blessed with an influx of "newly
retired" who were part of the population growth in this area.
In September of 1999 about 19 people met at one member's home to
discuss starting the Mission. It took off when Joan Steele arrived
in October of 1999, and declared that she would pay the rent if we
found a place to meet. In January 2000, a four-member steering
committee was established. Our goals included regular weekly
services (which we were able to do by September 2000), the addition
of five new members, have our own space (no knock-down etc.). We
knew were were going in the right direction because our efforts
mysteriously and easily came to fruition. By July of 2000 our goals
had been exceeded, with six new members and a storefront property,
which we were fortunate to be able to expand after six months. We
were also blessed to have Father George Breyan, a retired priest,
along with Matushka Natalie, to serve our needs during this exciting
time of parish growth.
In 2004 we purchased a new property with a church building and a separate annex building. The church building has undergone extensive remodeling and currently contains a sanctuary, nave, two offices and a room for "coffee hour". The annex building is being remodeled for use as a classroom.
June of 2006 saw the assignment of our first resident priest, Father David Balmer. He and Matushka Mary bring with them a personal commitment to our parish community along with an enriched service schedule, classes and hospital visits. Our patron saint is St. Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn, the first Orthodox bishop consecrated in the New World. He was glorified in 2000, the same year we really began to hold regular services. Because we wanted to reach Orthodox of every national lineage, we felt St. Raphael was most appropriate. Currently our parish size including our "snowbirds" and the “homebound” is at the sixty mark and growing.
We hope you will take the time to drive-up and worship with us.
Info about St. Raphael of Brooklyn on the OCA website