August 9, 2009

MURPHY, NC    St. Nicholas Orthodox Mission of  Murphy, NC, our newest diocesan mission celebrated its first Divine Liturgy this morning. The newly-ordained pastor of St. Nicholas Mission, the Rev. Fr. James Blomely, was assisted by the Rev. Deacon Michael Rustick from  St. John's Church, Rahway, NJ.  Much to the delight of Fr James, a total of 28 souls were in attendance.  Of those present, five were visitors from Fr. James' home parish, St. Elizabeth Mission in Atlanta, Georgia. The remainder included five Orthodox families from the local area who were thrilled to learn of the establishment of the mission and several  other non-Orthodox who were curious about the Orthodox Faith. 

Fr. James Blomely summed up the spiritually uplifting start of the mission in a post on his Facebook Page Sunday Evening:

"I was surprised to discover that  there were Orthodox Christian Families living in the local area.  After speaking to them it became clear that almost all of the families had come to believe that they were the only Orthodox in the area. It was a highly emotional occasion for all of us, to discover that we were not alone, and that they now have a spiritual home here in the mountains. It was an indescribable experience for us all."

St. Nicholas Mission is located at 3711 East US 64 Alternate, Suite #6, Murphy, North Carolina (The southwestern corner of  the state). It serves the Orthodox Christian Community of Clay, Macon, Graham, and Cherokee Counties in North Carolina,  including the Georgia Counties of Towns, Union, Fannin and Polk County in Tennessee. Divine Liturgy is served on Sundays at  10:00 am  and Vespers, Saturday night at 5:00 pm.  Please consult the parish website at http://www.stnicholasorthodoxnc.org/  for a complete listing of services, adult education and events.

For more information or if you would like to offer prayerful and/or financial support,  please contact Fr. James Blomely at 828-835-2171   or via email at  FrJames@stnicholasorthodoxnc.org.