The parish in Lake Odessa, MI is named in honor of America’s first known saint, the Venerable Herman of Alaska. It has become a tradition in the Michigan Deanery for parishioners to gather in Lake Odessa on the feast day of this favorite of God, December 12/25, annually. This year did not disappoint, with people gathering from throughout the state. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Peter the services were led by the Dean of Michigan parishes, Archpriest Gregory Joyce. Also serving was Deacon Dmitriy Kashchenko from the St. Vladimir parish in Ann Arbor. Archpriest Michael Carney, Rector of the parish, led the choir on this day. The service was beautiful, simple, and prayerful, with the majority of those in attendance partaking of the Holy Mysteries on this significant day in the life of this village parish, located approximately mid way between Lansing and Grand Rapids. Following the Divine Liturgy a short moleben was held, with many years sung for Fr. Michael and the parishioners of the parish. After the kissing of the cross and the reading of the thanksgiving prayer after Holy Communion, the parish sisterhood offered a delicious lenten meal for all in attendance.

A Participant

Picutres by Andrea Edelman