St. Gregory of Nyssa in Columbus, OH announces expansion campaign
COLUMBUS, OH [MW Diocese Communications] — On Sunday, June 9, 2013, Saint Gregory of Nyssa Orthodox Church here began its church expansion campaign, “Adding To The Church.”
The name, derived from the verse in the book of Acts, reflects the continuing outreach the Columbus, Ohio inner-city church provides its local community.
Founded in 1983, Saint Gregory’s began its commitment to serve The Ohio State University campus and community.
“Since we first began exploring expanding our parish facilities, we have tried to emphasize that we can only do this if we feel it is God’s will for our parish,” echoed Father Matthew Moriak, parish rector. “We feel our parish has been very blessed over its 30 years in Columbus. Expanding what we have now will only help us to bring more people to Christ and His Church, and to serve the needs of our community even more so than we are doing now.”
Over the years the parish’s scope has widened and not only does the church minister to college students, but has also developed a strong community outreach program that currently feeds locals three days a week.
“We have identified a specific service we provide to our neighborhood and as we grow as a parish, we must grow our facilities,” said Patrick Reeves, Saint Gregory’s Lay Vice-Chair. The plans include increasing the size of the nave to accommodate over 200 souls, adding a formal entry with offices, and an expanded parish hall and kitchen which would almost double the current space.
The campaign, which officially begins July 1, was launched with a luncheon at the church parish hall that included personal testimonials from parishioners and an inspiring message from guest speaker, Sharon Peifer, who currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese, shared a personal story of her life and the various struggles, hardships, and triumphs she has endured. Her message insisted that, through the good and bad, nothing would be possible without the Church.
For the next two years, the congregation will be raising capital to begin the project. Currently, over 70% of the total capital needed has been pledged. For more information on the building program and other happenings at Saint Gregory of Nyssa visit www.stgregs.info/addingtothechurch.
