“Why are you reading this when you can be going to St. Innocent Orthodox Church?” Jason Byrd wrote this in a review. Let me tell you about St Innocent Orthodox Church in Los Angeles. This church stands as a beacon of faith. It has a rich history. The St Innocent Orthodox Church is located in Tarzana. Tarzana is a neighborhood in Los Angeles. It is in the San Fernando Valley. The church’s address is 5657 Lindley Avenue. You can easily spot it. Look for a white stucco building. It has a blue tile roof. A gold cupola and cross sit on top.
St Innocent Orthodox Church is part of the Orthodox Church in America. This is the autocephalous Church of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The community began in 1955. A handful of people in the San Fernando Valley wanted a place to worship. Fr Sergei Glagolev led them. The original church was built in Encino in 1956. A fire damaged it in 1969. The current structure in Tarzana was built in 1972.
From the beginning, the focus was on people’s salvation. The church wanted to preach the Word of God. It aimed to create a loving Christian community. St Innocent Orthodox Church decided to use English exclusively in worship services. This was a departure from other Orthodox parishes. Many of them used languages from their countries of origin.
Today about 150 adults and children gather each Sunday. They celebrate the Divine Liturgy. The members come from various backgrounds. They live throughout the Los Angeles area. The church emphasizes personal participation. It encourages spiritual growth. It promotes commitment to Christ and His teachings.
St Innocent Orthodox Church offers continuing education. Children attend Church School Classes. They range from pre-school to young adult age. The classes run from September through June. The church also schedules educational programs. These cover various subjects.
The church communicates through a weekly bulletin. It also publishes a monthly newsletter. It is called the “Saint Innocent Messenger”. These provide information about events. They include educational articles. They announce services. They list names for special prayers.
Parishioners and visitors enjoy fellowship. They gather for coffee and refreshments. This happens in the social hall after Liturgy every Sunday. Dinners and gatherings are also scheduled. These sometimes include open discussions.
The church offers several services. Vespers take place on Saturday evenings at 5:30 PM. Sunday mornings include Hours at 9:00 AM. A Memorial Service follows at 9:15 AM. The Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 AM. Church School and Fellowship hour follow. During Great Lent, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts occurs on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6:30 PM. Vigils or Great Vespers with Litya happen on the eves of Great Feasts at 6:30 PM. Divine Liturgy occurs on the mornings of Great Feasts at 9:30 AM.
St Innocent Orthodox Church is more than just a building. It is a community. It is a place where faith and fellowship thrive. As you stand here, consider the many who have found solace and community within its walls. Remember their stories. Reflect on the enduring power of faith.