Sometimes referred to as worship services where there’s lot of smells and bells, chanting and bowing, Orthodox Christian worship services are definitely unique. This coming Sunday the 15th of April, at St. Paul’s in Honalo, Bishop Benjamin, Bishop of San Francisco and the West for the Orthodox Church in America, will be ministering. This is the Bishop’s second time to visit the BIg Island and the Kona Mission.

For those interested in discovering the richness of the ancient Church and its message to the people of the islands, this is a unique opportunity to experience Orthodox worship. In addition, there will be special Orthodox chant, hymns and prayers that have an uncommon resonance with Pacific Island culture.

The Orthodox Christian Mission in Kona is part of an estimated 4 million adherents to Orthodoxy in the United States. From the indigenous peoples of Alaska, to the African American communities of Chicago, people are discovering that the traditions and teachings that sustained the early Church in the East, have meaning and cultural significance in their lives, families and communities today.

Sunday the 15th, is St. Thomas Sunday. He’s the follower of Christ best known for his doubt and then his belief. So if you have doubts about Christianity in general, or Orthodox Christianity in particular, this is a perfect time to come and see.

On Sunday public prayers and scripture reading will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the Divine Liturgy will start at 10:00 a.m. The Bishop and other guests will join us following the service for a community pot-luck meal.

There will also be a Vesper Service led by Bishop Benjamin on Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.

All services are open to the public and all Orthodox Christians. If you’ve ever wondered about Orthodox Christianity we invite you to visit.