“Come and see.” This invitation echoes through the history of Holy Cross Orthodox Church. It beckons us to explore its origins and its journey. Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church began as a mission parish. It started in early 1993 with only six families. These families had converted to Holy Orthodoxy.
Today, the Holy Cross community has over 150 members. About half are converts from various Protestant denominations. The other half grew up in the Orthodox Church. They represent Greek, Russian, Lebanese, Romanian, Ukrainian, and Syrian traditions.
Let’s step back to January 30, 1993. Fr. Gregory Mathewes-Green and his family joined 14 others. They were chrismated into the Orthodox Church. This formed the nucleus of Holy Cross Mission. Fr. Gregory was previously a pastor at an Episcopal church. He had growing concerns about theological shifts. These leaders denied Christ’s Virgin Birth, miracles, and Resurrection. He found Orthodoxy through an informal gathering with Fr. Peter Gillquist.
Initially, the mission met in a 19th-century rectory. This belonged to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church. Before 1993 ended, Holy Cross Mission moved. It found a new space in a 19th-century schoolhouse. This building also served as a medical daycare. The mission used the space only on weekends and evenings. They had to set up and take down the worship space for every service. A wooden altar stored icons, candles, and other liturgical items.
In 1995, Khouria Frederica began a journal. It documented events and personalities within the mission. This journal became a book. It was titled “Facing East: A Pilgrim’s Journey into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy”. HarperCollins published it in 1997. The book appeared as American Protestants began discovering the Orthodox Church.
By 1996, Holy Cross Mission had grown significantly. The members began searching for a permanent building. In 1997, the congregation voted to purchase a church in Linthicum, MD. This building had a rich history. A Methodist congregation built it in 1911. Later, it housed Baptist, Episcopalian, and Korean Pentecostal communities. Holy Cross parishioners transformed the space. They removed pews, carpeting, and the electronic sound system. The hardwood floors were sanded and sealed. Then, a row of icons was set up as an iconostasis. It started to resemble an Orthodox Church. The Archdiocese recognized Holy Cross as a Church not just a Mission. The congregation had grown to over 50 families.
Later, a parishioner crafted a mahogany altar and iconostasis. Bishop BASIL of Wichita consecrated the church. This happened on March 8, 1998. He placed a scroll beneath the altar. It listed all church members’ names. Relics of St. Andrew and St. Vincent the Deacon were included. Everything was sealed with beeswax. He also gifted a relic of St. Blaise. Carolyn Cundiff filled the iconostasis with icons. Seraphim O’Keefe completed the iconography on the interior walls.
Holy Cross Church continued to grow over the years. Six former members entered seminary. They were ordained as priests. These included Fr. Gregory Czumak and Fr. Stephen Mathewes. Fr. Timothy Barkley became a deacon and is now a priest. Holy Cross has been blessed with deacons. These include Dn. Mark O’Dell and Dn. Peter Maris.
In August 2018, Holy Cross reached a new milestone. Fr. Gregory, the founding pastor, retired. Fr. Joshua Burnett became the new pastor.
Fr. Joshua is a Pittsburgh native. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English. He graduated from St. Vladimir’s Seminary. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 2015. Following his ordination, he was assigned second priest.
Upon retirement, Fr. Gregory and Kh. Frederica moved to Johnson City, TN. Fr. Gregory is now Pastor Emeritus of Holy Cross Church.
Today, Holy Cross Orthodox Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It embodies a rich history. It is a welcoming home for all who seek it. “Come and see” the enduring spirit of Holy Cross.