Our Parish's Patron Saint
In 1998, our small mission was busy organizing foundational details. Over the last months of 1997, we were called "The Knoxville Mission." We had not been assigned a name for the parish. Fr. Ted Pisarchuk from Jacksonville, FL and Fr. Peter Smith from Columbia, SC, had made visits and celebrated liturgies in the homes of the faithful and given encouragement and direction for our work.
During those early months, many names were discussed by the Mission's governing board. A name was proposed (St. Bridget). It was submitted to the Archbishop and some discussion followed. In the end, Vladyka Dmitri brought forward the name of St. Anne. The board received it with enthusiasm and a relationship was begun.
Over the years, St. Anne has made her intercessions and care for the parish known through many answered prayers and actions for the parish. Some four or so years ago, the miraculous icon of St. Anne from St. Tikhon's Monastery visited us. That visit ratified the bond that is now a very deep part of our life.
St. Anne is especially associated with families and children. No saint could be better suited to our life together. She reminds us that the care of our children and the strengthening of families is close to the center of our common life.
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Dormition of St. Anne (the day on which she "fell asleep"). It is the parish's Name Day. Plan to come if at all possible and give thanks for her prayers and heavenly protection.
Blessings!
Fr. Stephen +
